Thursday Trivia: Cat's Paw

This phrase is based on an old European folk tale, which made it into Aesop’s Fables:

“A cat and a monkey were sitting one day in the chimney corner watching some chestnuts which their master had laid down to roast in the ashes.

one of earliest known illustrations of the fable, 1578

The chestnuts had begun to burst with the heat, and the monkey said to the cat, "It is plain that your paws were made especially for pulling out those chestnuts. Do you reach forth and draw them out. Your paws are, indeed, exactly like our master's hands."

The cat was greatly flattered by this speech, and reached forward for the tempting chestnuts, but scarcely had he touched the hot ashes than he drew back with a cry, for he had burnt his paw; but he tried again, and managed to pull one chestnut out; then he pulled another, and a third, though each time he singed the hair on his paws.

When he could pull no more out he turned about and found that the monkey had taken the time to crack the chestnuts and eat them.”
(Fables from Aesop)

It didn’t originate with Aesop, though.

The earliest text dates back to 1564, and the cat in this version was swapped for a sleeping puppy: “Not long ago in Berga (a small town by the sea where the road to fat Zeeland begins) a small monkey gave us an example noteworthy and amusing for its cunning. For, when he saw the chestnuts buried in the hearth, he began to brush the ash aside, but, afraid of the burning coals, he suddenly seized the foot of a sleeping puppy and stole it out.” (Johannes Sambucus, Emblemata, 1564)

It seems, though, that oral history predates them all.

There’s an oblique reference to the fable in the French book Proverbes written in 1456, where author Jean Mielot comments “it’s a cat and monkey game” in a way that suggests the fable was common knowledge.

In the end, we agree with website Word Detective: “although cats in mythology and folklore are generally portrayed as wily, clever, resourceful and sophisticated, the story behind "cat's paw" is an exception to the rule, and not one that any self-respecting cat would want on his resume”!

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sources: Fairy Tales 4 U, Wikipedia, Word Detective, Google books, Glasgow University

Wordless Wednesday: Winter Garden

Maxwell:  Don't mind if I do, thanks Allie!  *nom*

Allie: Don't you even THINK of it, Brat... This is my winter hangout.

'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!

Can your pet get Alzheimer's?

© 14ktgold | Stock Free Images

Since tomorrow is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Day, we felt it would be a good time to ask if this disease touches the lives of our pets as well.

The short answer is no. The long answer is yes.

Both dogs and cats can become susceptible to senior dementia as they age, though not all do. They can get confused, become more irritable, even get lost in their own home.

But Alzheimer’s is a form of senile dementia specific to humans.

And while this exact disease does not impact our pets, dogs can suffer from a degeneration of the brain and nervous system that is very comparable.

It’s called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and it’s caused by physical changes in the chemistry of the brain that is not a part of normal aging. A study by the University of California at Berkeley suggests that as many as 62% of aging dogs may suffer from CDS.

Although there is no known cure for CDS, strides have been made in managing its symptoms. 

In the U.S., there is one approved drug therapy. Europe has two approved forms of treatment.

These drugs increase dopamine in your dog's brain, which encourages improved brain function.

If you suspect your dog might be suffering mental deterioration beyond what is normal for an aging pet, please schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

Not only can they rule out any other medical issues that may be causing your pet to act outside the norm, but they can help you decide if a prescription counteragent for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is the right decision for you.

Also consider changing your pet's diet. Dr. Mankin of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine suggests a diet high in antioxidants would also be beneficial. Some of the higher end grain-free and raw diets contain antioxidant powerhouses like blueberries in them.

He also recommends increasing your dog's activity level - more play time! - to keep his mind engaged.

© Temele
Stock Free Images

So, do cats get CDS?

Currently, there is not enough evidence to suggest that cats suffer from this disease, mainly because it tends to be more difficult in general to diagnose cats, and because so many other diseases can present with similar symptoms.

Bottom line, if your pet seems to be suffering from any of the above-listed problems, please schedule an examination. Your vet might be able to significantly improve the quality of life for an aging furry family member.

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Sources:

Healthy Pet: Pet Care: Canine CDS
Feline Dementia
Canine Dementia
Texas A&M Veterinary Sciences article

Another Harlem Shake...?

Saturday Photohunt: Monochrome

Maxwell, doin' it right. (well, okay, except for the eyes)

Being a blue point, Max easily fits the monochrome definition, "being or made in the shades of a single color."

Click here to see links to other Photohunters in today's hunt!

"Fun Finds" Friday

This is a random gathering of pet-related things we thought you might find interesting. 

(Okay, and a lot of it is from Mommy's snoop time on Pinterest!)

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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Even though the days are getting longer, those of us here in the U.S. still have fairly early sunsets thanks to the fact that Daylight Savings Time doesn't go into effect until this coming Sunday.

And Down Under, the days are rapidly getting shorter!

So today's Fun Find is a product that takes this into consideration.

The L.E.D. Dog Leash can be purchased from ProblemSolvers.com for $29.95.  It's a bit spendy, but it can be seen up to a half mile away, providing you with extra visibility and peace of mind.
And we like that in a pet product.

Besides, it's pretty cool looking! If we ever agreed to be walked on a leash, we'd want something as sparkly as this.