Friday, November 30, 2012

"Fun Finds" Friday

If you have a fun find you'd like us to feature, send us a shout-out by clicking on the Contact Us tab above.

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Shhh....don't tell Marty what he's getting from the cats for Chanukah this year....
  
A cardboard model P-47 Thunderbolt cat house. (the propeller actually spins.) 
Designed in Great Britain, it's $35 at Uncommon Goods.

We'll see who loves it more - Marty or the cats!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Shutterfly Winner!


After a random selection chosen with extreme scientific precision...
The winner of the 2 shutterfly gift cards is:
*drum roll please* 

Simba of Simba's Antics!


The drawing was dutifully executed with extreme feline oversight.
And the entire process was documented on video. Reeeeally BAD video. See what we mean?



Congratulations to Simba - and thank you to everyone who participated!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Therapy Session

...mmm-hmm... I see... and how do you feel about that...?


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

'Toon Tuesdays





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Toon Tuesdays feature cat & dog cartoons made by the peeps over at Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) - where our mom works, too!



Monday, November 26, 2012

Monday Medical: Epilepsy Awareness Month

Since November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, we thought it would be a good opportunity to examine what this disease is like in animals. So we interviewed Dr. Eberhardy at Leawood Plaza Animal Hospital about it.

We were not aware that seizure disorders are a pretty common disease in dogs. Or that you don't see it nearly as frequently in cats.

Typically if a cat has a seizure, Dr. E said, there's usually an underlying trigger.  Only 5-10% of seizures that occur in cats have epilepsy as their root cause.

The process of identifying the cause of a seizure varies with a pet's age, we were told.


Andrew Morrell Photography / Foter / CC BY-ND
In a young adult dog, if the dog seemed perfectly normal before the seizure and appears normal in an exam after the seizure, then the diagnosis is most probably going to be epilepsy. And again, in dogs, there's probably a genetic predisposition for it.

In a kitten or a young adult cat, initial suspects are going to be diseases such as toxoplasmosis, FIP or feline leukemia.

On the rare occasion that you find true epilepsy in a cat, it's usually going to be between the ages of 1 and 4.

With older pets, Dr E said, one of the first things to rule out would be brain tumors.

As with humans, one method used in diagnosis is to have the pet's head scanned, by getting either an MRI or a CT scan. And sometimes a diagnosis can be made by performing a Cereberal Spinal Fluid (or CSP) tap analysis.

Seizures can usually be placed  in one of two categories:
  • intracranial, where there's a mass, structural changes to the brain, or epilepsy
  • extracranial, where the cause isn't originating up in the head - it's a byproduct of another disease that began elsewhere in the body, such as liver disease

What to do if your 
pet suffers a seizure?

Doctor Eberhardy gave us three very good bits of advice to remember if a pet ever suffers a seizure:

ViaMoi / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Ensure your pet is in a safe area where he isn't in danger of falling and suffering additional injury. You may hesitate to handle a seizing animal for fear you'll cause additional harm but it's best to go ahead and move the pet to a safe place. (They aren't going to swallow their tongue, so there's no need to worry on that count.)

Calm yourself. Your pet is going to need you at your best when it's time to get to the emergency vet! The good news is that at first onset, seizures in animals are usually brief.

Transport your pet to your local veterinarian (or if the seizure occurred during off hours, the emergency vet) as soon as possible.



How is a pet treated 
for epilepsy?


Although treatment will be dictated by the severity and frequency of the seizure disorder, the actual medications are often the same in animals as they are in humans. Drugs like phenobarbitol or diazepam are often prescribed. And they work in the same manner, too: the drug works to lower the seizure threshold.

And just as in humans, it can make your pet lethargic, too. So the prescription is often adjusted for each animal until you find the 'sweet spot': where it's enough to inhibit seizures while not adversely impacting your pet's mood or behavior.

When you begin treating a pet with anti seizure medication varies based on the animal's condition, the severity of the seizures, and their underlying cause. Comparatively, cats may be started on medication sooner than dogs even if there is a longer interval between seizures, as seizures in cats are relatively rare and often more serious.
Regardless, if your pet suffers a seizure, the best thing to do is seek medical help immediately.

Many thanks to Dr. Eberhardy for teaching us more about seizure disorders and epilepsy.
_____________

If you'd like to follow the stories of fellow bloggers whose pets have epilepsy, check out the links below:
Five Sibes: What's Wrong with Gibson the Husky?  and
http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/living.html.



Sunday, November 25, 2012

Shutterfly Giveaway


Recently, we were given $40 in gift cards to use on Shutterfly.com and wanted to pass them along to you. Think this might come in handy for the holidays?


From what we've seen of Shutterfly, you can get some pretty cool personalized gifts or keepsakes from them. And we hear it's a fairly easy process, too.

The gift cards are usable by anyone in the U.S. (we apologize to the international peeps!).

And - no fuss, no muss - just comment below to be entered in the giveaway and be sure to add your email into the comments like this: "name AT email address DOT com" then we'll use Randomizer to choose the winner!

We'll make this quick, since the holidays are swiftly approaching. So we'll announce the winner this coming Thursday.

Cheers!


Saturday, November 24, 2012

A Quiet Fall Caturday

I should have entered the room more quietly on this Fall morning. I woke him...



Saturday Photohunt: "Quietly" ... and "Fall"


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We're also participating in the Weekend Cat Blogging blog hop...hosted this week by Judi, Jules & Vincent.





Friday, November 23, 2012

"Fun Finds": BLACK FRIDAY EDITION


Hi all! This is a special Fun Finds, not just because it's BLACK FRIDAY.

Volunteers at Wayside open Suki's latest box of goodies
It's special because we're featuring the Etsy shop of a friend of ours.

A very VERY generous friend who has sent boxes and boxes of great toys to Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.

Dozens of shelter kitties in the past 2 years have benefited from Suki's mom's generosity, and we believe in paying it forward.




So without further ado, we present to you:

Suki's mom sent us a package that contained 
(from top to bottom)
  • a Flipper Shortie ($6.50)
  • Fantabulous Flipper Catnip (free!)
  • a FlippFlopp ($4)
  • a Flipp Strip Combo with Flipp Stick ($7)
  • and a Flipper.
[Oh, and a bubble bag that they came packed in, which - honestly - what is it about cats and bags/boxes anyway?]


They're all reasonably priced, between $4 and $12, 
and the cats love them.

One of the things I love about these toys is that they are responsibly made with absolutely no plastic parts that a kitty could accidentally swallow and choke on. 

I also like the fact that the flipp stick comes with a friendly warning to put it out of the reach of paws when you're not playing with it.

Even great wand and stick/string toys can become hazards if left out. They really can. 

Faraday once grabbed a wand toy by the feathered top and ran full tilt across the room with the stick part pushed in front of him. 

He could have impaled himself on that thing. 
After our hearts stopped and we got it away from him, we put all wand toys away, to be used only under human supervision.

So...how much do the cats like these? We'll let the photos tell you:

Faraday was thrilled to be offered the Flipper Shortie...until Maxwell snatched it right from under his nose.
That's okay, he wanted the Flipp Flopp ANYWAYZ. (You should see the slobber on it now!)
(yes, but whose slobber? DNA test anyone?)

If you're looking for a fun holiday gift for your fave feline,
we highly recommend SukiRoo's Etsy shop.




FTC Disclaimer: We were sent a donation of cat toys by SukiRoo for the Wayside Waifs shelter, but were not compensated in any way personally for this review. We were not asked to do this review by Sukiroo. All opinions are our own.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thankful for...pumpkin PIE!


I couldz not help it. I was HUNGRY.






From our home to yours:
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

On top of your oven, supervising your cooking techniques

We thought this was appropriate, considering tomorrow's Thanksgiving and all....

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

'Toon Tuesdays




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Toon Tuesdays feature cat & dog cartoons made by the peeps over at Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) - where our mom works, too!




Monday, November 19, 2012

Monday Medical: Driving With Fido

Does this count as a Monday Medical? We think it does, simply because of the potential medical consequences associated with not heeding the advice of this infographic.

I'll never forget the graphic display on the interstate that I saw years ago - a consequence of a dog riding loose in the back of a pickup. I won't share the details. Just know it's burned indelibly in my memory.

And since the day before Thanksgiving consistently ranks as the busiest travel day of the year in the U.S., we thought this was an appropriate time to discuss.



Via: TakePart.com

Sunday, November 18, 2012

November: Adopt a Senior Pet Month


Since this month is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, in honor of our sister Allie (who's SO old), we asked Mommy to make a Top Five Reasons list on why Senior Cats are better to adopt. 
[Except for me, of course. But I'm already taken.]



OLD? Excuse me? I'm a four year old in her prime. *pats coiffed fur*



uhhh....well... since I'm the Responsible one in the family, I told Momma I'd pass her list on to you - and here it is:



What? Just like that? Not even a David Letterman Countdown or anything???
*grumbles* Ya want something done right, ya gotta do it yourself....



BUT FIRST...

We'd like to introduce you to a few very special Seniors waiting for their forever home at Wayside Waifs, Allie's Alma Mater:

Meet Snowball (he wants you to know he is really glad we didn't choose a name that was too awful, like Powder Puff, but he'd prefer Macho Man or King of the Jungle. Just meowin').




Snowball came to Wayside from a rural Missouri rescue group. After having spent most of his young adult years outdoors, he's ready to try the cushy life. And he's been practicing hard at Wayside. He's the current kitty crush for a lot of the peeps there who have had a taste of his mancat lovin'.
That pink nose of his is just adorable! (Sorry, dude. Uh, we mean macho. Yeah.)


And what about Sissy and Sassy, two gorgeous 8 year old sisters needing a new home. It just about broke their owner's heart to have to give them up.



We think it'd be a wonderful gift to them - and to their former owner - if these senior girls were given a forever home for the holidays, don't you?

And now...*drum roll*

THE TOP FIVE REASONS TO ADOPT A SENIOR CAT

1. They're not bratty like Faraday.

2.  They won't ricochet off your forehead at 2 in the morning.

3.  They (usually) won't chew your favorite set of ipod earbuds.

4.  They (often) make warm, cushy sofa companions on those cold winter evenings by the fire

5.  They come already vaccinated and "fixed" - and often even microchipped!
   
And the #1 Reason to Adopt a Senior Cat:

6. They need you.



Saturday, November 17, 2012

A Rose is... PLUS Nat'l Adoption Day


Today we honor National Adoption Day, in the hope that we can help raise awareness for those babies - both two and four-legged - who are in desperate need of a home.

There are more than 100,000 human children currently in foster care, awaiting adoption.
And there are between 5 and 7 million pets in shelters, awaiting their forever homes.

Please... as you plan your family, as you consider major life changes... consider adoption.

***

And so today we feature our oldest adopted "child," Allie.

Oh look! Pink again, to match my mani/pedi....
Is it just me, or do I sense a touch of indifference in that face?

Of course, if a rose is brought into the house, it's invariably for her, not me.
I suppose one might become a bit indifferent after so many offerings.
Though I wouldn't know...
 ;-)


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We're also participating in the Weekend Cat Blogging blog hop.



Friday, November 16, 2012

"Fun Finds" Friday

If you have a fun find you'd like us to feature, send us a shout-out by clicking on the Contact Us tab above.

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We're not sure we can actually call this a Fun Find since it's more of a DIY project, but we thought this was a cool idea for a dog bed/dog den.

If your kitchen has space for this - why not?

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thankful Thursday



It is good to have annual reminders of the things we surely feel every day, yet often do not voice.

With Thanksgiving one week from today, we'd like to take this opportunity to say:
We're thankful for YOU.

~ . ~


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Talk to the Tail!



Can you tell whose this is?

***
Sweet boy - forever loved
Today marks the 2 year anniversary
that we said goodbye to Ryker.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

'Toon Tuesdays




....oh THAT wouldn't happen at this time of year in Missouri. Oh no.

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Toon Tuesdays feature cat & dog cartoons made by the peeps over at Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) - where our mom works, too!




Monday, November 12, 2012

Chicken Soup for the Soul

We interrupt Medical Mondays for a special report:

Did you know that today is national Chicken Soup for the Soul Day?


Dr. Marty Becker is a veterinarian who is a regular contributor to vetstreet.com, ABC's "Good Morning America" and the nationally syndicated "Dr. Oz Show."

He's also written several books, including three in the "Chicken Soup" series, specifically about pets.

Our mom interviewed him for Animal Planet a few years ago.

Since Ryker cameos in the interview (um, mom? we think that's called nepotism...?), we thought this would be a fun video to share today.

Plus, what he has to say is pretty cool. Especially that last part about the bed. (SCORE!)




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Next week's Medical Monday:
Pets, Holiday Travel and Safety



Picky Eaters





Mommy's trying to get Maxie to eat better – and drink more liquids too – so she's been offering him loads of different kinds of wet food.



He is at least eating grain-free, which Mother likes, but she'd like to see him eat more wet food to increase his liquid intake.

*ticks off names with paw* There's EVO, Wellness Core, Instinct Rabbit and Duck, Natural Balance pouches (well, okay, he'll lick the juices from that but that's all), Blue Buffalo.... No, no...and no!




Mother would love it if the boys would go on a raw diet, like me.
Personally I think they're both just too squeamish.
For boys.




HEY, WHO YOU CALLING SQUEAMISH?!?!?! *indignant look*



::::: Looks at Allie's food... Turns green... :::::




DUDE. You saw it here first: Faraday...speechless. Will wonders never cease?




Maxwell, you should at least try some of the food Mother puts in front of you!
(*sigh*...at least he's drinking the gravy...)






....*guilty look* .....

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Do you have a picky eater? Tell us about it!