The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (CFA) has launched a new web site that will appeal to the owners of all cats worldwide, be they pedigreed or random-bred. CatsCenterstage.org is an undertaking of the CFA Outreach and Education Committee, whose purpose is to actively reach out to segments of the public who own a cat as a pet. This new site will provide all cat lovers with a central resource for information on their favorite pet - the feline.
Without doubt, cats are the number one pet in the USA. Studies by the American Pet Products Association indicate that there are 93.6 million owned cats in the US, with 38.2 million homes owning at least one cat. Multi-cat homes number 56% of the 38.2 million cat-owning homes. Those numbers don't take into account the number of people who care for feral cats that spend their lives outdoors.
Cat owners are constantly searching the internet for information about the breed of their cat, the color and pattern of their cat, what is a proper diet, what does good health care entail, how to clip claws, etc. CatsCenterstage aims to answer all of those questions, and more, through a wealth of information on their site:
Cat breeds, colors and patterns are described in full detail, with photographs.
The pedigreed breeds are described, with photos, including their individual personality traits, owner comments and photos submitted by CatsCenterstage members.
Experts on health care, behavior, nutrition and grooming answer questions posed by our members.
Links to feline health resources include specific information on well over 100 cat care topics.
Feature articles include stories about stray cats, an adoption center set up by a CFA cat club, and tips on how to take the best photos of your cat.
The CatsCenterstage Community is a discussion forum with free membership registration. Members can use to post about a variety of cat related topics and events as well as let others know about their cats and experiences.
The topic of Cats in Need is explored through articles about stray cats, adoptions, feral cats and their care, and disaster preparedness.
A variety of fun things to do can be found in the Catnip Center - crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, quizzes, etc.
The Boutique offers a quick look at upcoming new cat products for play or care, as well as provides consumer reviews on a number of specific products.
With the cat-owning public clamoring for information about the cat, it is anticipated that CatsCenterstage.org will quickly become a leading resource for cat owners worldwide.
The thought of cats and dogs living together almost immediately elicits comic images of a “dog chasing cat” scenario. Although we have all seen the cartoons for decades, that isn’t necessarily the true nature of the relationship. According to the American Kennel Club’s 21st Century Dog Owners Study, 38% of dog owners also own cats. Despite being known for their differences, cats and dogs actually have quite a few similarities. They both mark and defend their territory and are natural predators. Cats and dogs can, however, coexist peacefully.
If a puppy and a kitten grow up together, the chances of them getting along are much higher than if they are introduced to one another at different life stages. Growing and maturing together teaches them to automatically accept the other, and live peacefully in the same household since neither of them knows it to be any different. They will learn to respect each other immediately and will most likely become the best of friends!
If getting a puppy and a kitten at the same time is not an option, don’t fret! Pets can still learn to coexist with one another. The initial introduction process must always be under supervision and should be very gradual so as to minimize the initial fear of each other as well as place less stress on each animal.
A good place to start is to confine the current pet, and allow the new one to wander the house at will. This procedure introduces a new scent throughout the house. Then confine the new pet, and allow the current one to then wander to get used to the different scent in the house. Alternate turns, letting the one pet get used to the scent of the other. This will help train the original pet to accept the new pet as a part of the household.
Once this has been done, try confining the dog behind a fence or a baby gate (cats would simply jump over the confining gate) so that the two can approach and sniff each other as they wish. If they choose not to get too close to each other, do not force the issue.
A cat will simply find a place to hide if he/she feels threatened. The cat’s food and litter area should not be accessible by the dog. This must be an area that the cat feels safe to use without disturbance.
To prepare the dog for the cat, obedience training is critical since the dog is usually larger and stronger. Properly train the dog to learn basic commands and consider enrolling him in a training course like the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. If the cat happens to take the dominant role, the dog will quickly learn to avoid it.
Socialize both the cat and dog to things such as loud noises, guests and common household activities so they are less skittish around each other and are used to sudden movements and noises.
When the dog and cat feel comfortable with each other, they will make approaches to one another. This should always be supervised to begin with, and it’s best that the dog be on a leash or held by the collar to maintain a certain distance between the two. Pay close attention to body language of both the dog and the cat. If the cat is feeling threatened or scared, it will growl or hiss, swish its tail and possibly raise the fur on its back. A dog will growl or snarl, and may raise the hair on its back or neck. If one of the animals seems overly frightened, take them both out of the situation and try again later.
Make sure that cats and dogs have plenty of time to become accustomed to each other. Never leave a dog and cat together unsupervised unless certain they are comfortable with each other and will coexist peacefully. Respect each animal’s desire to be alone.
If there is already an adult cat in the household, it may be easier for the cat to accept a more mature dog, since a puppy’s energetic antics could be overwhelming for the cat. Be sure to ask the breeder if the dog has shown a prey drive toward smaller animals such as cats, birds or other dogs; some breeds have a stronger prey drive than others. Think carefully about getting more than one dog since multiple dogs are more likely to gang up on and harass a cat. Ultimately, it may take a lot of time and training for cats and dogs to coexist peacefully. While they can certainly coexist, adequate research and consideration should be done prior to making the decision to add another pet to a household.
Are you thinking about getting a new dog, cat or even both? Come to Meet the Breeds™ on October 16th and 17th at the Javits Center in New York City. The American Kennel Club has teamed up with the Cat Fanciers’ Association so that you can learn everything you ever wanted to know from the breed experts. After all, it is the only place where you can meet 41 breeds of cats and 160 breeds of dogs all under the same roof! To learn more about this year’s event, visit meetthebreeds.com.
Reprinted, with permission, from the American Kennel Club e-newsletter YourAKC, June 2010
The welcome months of spring and summer bring lush green lawns, warm days, pleasant nights, fragrant flowers and thoughts of relaxing vacations. Unfortunately, they also bring those ever-present and annoying insects and creatures of all kinds.
We humans are used to shielding ourselves from insects and reptiles in a variety of ways, to avoid being stung or bitten. Our pets, however, are unaware that these unwelcome pests can become a source of danger.
As the provider of the Cat Fanciers' Association Pet Healthcare Plan, we at PetPartners, Inc. see an increased number of claims regarding stings, bites and other issues related to warmer weather. If you can make yourself aware of some of the dangers these wonders of summer can cause, you might be able to avoid potential pain and suffering for your feline best friend.
Even a cat that is exclusively an 'indoor cat,' can encounter insects, spiders, ticks and fleas - and sometimes even snakes -- that make their way into your home through windows, pipes, vents and even on your shoes when you come indoors. As pet owners, we need to be constantly vigilant about things that can injure our four-legged friends or make them sick. Even nibbling on flowers or bulbs can result in costly veterinary expenses.
Defense Strategies
When warm weather arrives, out come fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, bees, yellow jackets, fire ants and snakes, sometimes armies of them. They are all ready to attack us -- and our cats -- infest our homes and cause itching, illness or even death in some situations. The best way to combat these pests is to prevent or avoid them in the first place.
Discuss with your veterinarian the safest products or procedures to use toward preventing these unwanted guests. Some common preventive methods include:
Use flea, tick and heartworm prevention; some flea and tick preventives also contain a mosquito repellant. These treatments are covered under the CFA Pet Healthcare Wellness Plan.
Avoid standing pools of water and keep water bowls fresh, to avoid mosquitoes.
Don't use 'human' mosquito repellants, especially those containing the ingredient DEET, on animals, as they can cause neurological problems.
Learn about ways to attract birds to inhabit your area, since many of these species eagerly feed on mosquitoes.
Watch for fire ant nests on the ground. Remember that ants can attach to your clothing outside, putting your indoor cat at risk.
If your cat is outside with you, don't let him explore holes in the ground, logs or other objects where snakes or yellow jacket nests might be hidden.
After your cat has been in an area you suspect is populated by ticks, thoroughly comb him within four to six hours to help prevent ticks from attaching.
Watch for spiders in basements, garages, woodpiles and brush.
Be on the Alert for Stings
If you suspect that your pet has been stung or bitten by an insect, it's always best to call your veterinarian immediately for advice on what to do.
Cats are most often stung on their face or paws and these stings can be extremely painful -- sometimes you can't immediately tell what is wrong. A cat that has been stung will often become agitated, run around shaking his head or pawing at his collar. If stung in or around his mouth or throat, swelling can constrict your cat's airway and be life-threatening. Multiple stings can also cause major problems, such as anaphylactic shock. Signs of shock can vary but may include depression, breathing problems, pale gums and a weak pulse.
If your cat is stung by fire ants, remove him from the area and brush off any ants remaining on him. Don't spray them off with water, as that will cause them to hang on with their jaws and continue to sting.
Spider bites can be quite dangerous to cats. Although generally harmless, there are several varieties of spiders that can cause severe problems. Some spider venom contains digestive enzymes that can damage skin tissue, causing a wound to grow quickly with a secondary infection.
Beware of Ticks - Cousin to Spiders
Ticks can also pose a threat to your cat's health. If you suspect your cat has been exposed to ticks, inspect him thoroughly. Ticks can also carry and spread blood-borne diseases, such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tick Paralysis.
If your cat has been exposed to an area you suspect is populated by ticks, thoroughly comb him within four to six hours to help prevent ticks from attaching. Ticks are most commonly found on the head, neck, ears, armpits and feet, although you should carefully check your cat's entire body.
Your veterinarian can suggest proper tick removal methods. If you do find an attached tick, remove it promptly. Also, observe your cat for any lethargy, lack of appetite or other abnormal behavior. If you suspect your cat could have contracted a disease from a tick bite, ask your veterinarian for advice and whether or not to take your cat to the clinic for further evaluation.
An easy way to avoid ticks is to apply a once-a-month preventive liquid, which is applied with a few drops between your cat's shoulder blades. Prescribed flea and tick preventives are covered as part of the CFA Pet Healthcare Wellness Plans.
Things That Slither and Bite
Snakes are beneficial to our environment because they control the rodent population, among many other reasons. In general, they prefer to be left alone and avoid conflict.
If your cat is bitten by a snake, try to identify it -- without getting bitten yourself -- as identification is important in determining treatment. If possible, notice the snake's head shape (triangular versus oval), coloration, markings, size and whether or not it has a rattle at the end of its tail. Keep your cat as still as possible, since movement spreads snake venom. If you're outdoors, carry your cat to the car at a normal pace. Snakebites are very painful, so be careful -- even a loving cat may bite when he's in pain.
To prevent snakebites, caution while outdoors is key. It's a good idea to keep cats from nosing around in holes in the ground, or under logs or near other objects where snakes might hide for shade. While snakes do not have good eyesight, they do react acutely to body heat and vibration. If your cat moves suddenly, a snake can mistake them for prey and strike quickly.
Snakes can also make their way indoors through a cracked door or window so be certain to keep them shut securely during warm months. They can also enter your home through a partially finished basement or a window screen that has a hole in it. Plan ahead, evaluate your home and make necessary changes or repairs to deter snakes from entering.
Treatment for a snake bite can be quite expensive and vials of antivenin can cost a much as $750 or more. One claim we processed involved a pet who was bitten by a snake hidden in tall grass. Fortunately, there was a happy outcome, but the veterinary care was expensive, and resulted in a $1,262 reimbursement from us. One pet was unlucky enough to get bitten twice - the reimbursement amounted to over $3,000 for both incidents! Another snakebite claim we received totaled over $1,800.
Plan Ahead and Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Seeking a veterinarian's advice first is important if you have any questions about your cat's health. If you program your veterinarian's emergency phone number into your cell phone, you'll have it close at hand if something happens to your cat and you're away from home.
If a friend or sitting service is caring for your cat during your summer vacation, discuss in advance your cat's health history and potential health emergencies, as well as any medications they are taking. Make certain your veterinarian's contact information -- and the phone number for the closest emergency veterinary room -- are clearly posted.
Fortunately, injuries from the bites and stings of summer are covered under the CFA Pet Healthcare Plan. Planning ahead for unforeseen medical emergencies with pet healthcare insurance can help you manage the cost of veterinary care and preventive measures for your cat.
The costs of treatment can quickly add up, especially if your pet experiences a life-threatening situation. One claim we paid was for over $2,200 for the hospitalization of a pet in California, after she was attacked by a swarm of bees in her backyard. After several days of intensive care and blood transfusions, she amazed everyone and survived this potentially fatal attack.
The range of CFA Pet Healthcare Plans offers quality and affordable coverage for as little as pennies a day. You can choose from Essential plans that can cover unexpected illnesses or injuries, or plans that also offer wellness coverage. The Wellness plans cover flea, tick and heartworm prevention, as well as an annual check-up, annual dental cleaning and vaccinations (or titers). The Wellness Plus Plan also offers additional coverage for spaying and neutering. For a no-obligation quote, visit ywww.cfaphp.com or call toll-free 1.877.232.4441. It's time well spent when you consider the protection it provides for both you and your pets.
Summertime is an exciting, beautiful time of year we can enjoy with our pets but the unexpected can happen. Plan ahead for your cat's unforeseen health emergencies. Be safe - not sorry!
As the dog days of summer come to a close, teenagers will be heading off to college and youngsters will be catching the bus each morning for school. Pet owners themselves may also have to return to working eight hours a day, leaving a lonely dog or cat at home who is confused by the changing household dynamics.
Dr. Kandi Norrell is a clinical assistant professor and head of the new primary care department, the "community practice," at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. She says, "it is important for pet owners to realize that it is not unusual for cats and dogs to go through a funk when everyone heads back to school."
The disruption in routine can be more traumatic for some pets versus others. For example, if you own a dog that is a herding breed, the change in pace may be particularly difficult. These breeds tend to think of the children in the house as their "flock" to take care of leaving them feeling lost or bored during their absence.
Some of the signs your dog may show if they are having a difficult time acclimating include separation anxiety, destructive behavior, inactivity, depression, and even stress-induced diarrhea. Though dogs are sometimes easier to read, cats may display more subtle signs. "Some of the signs of emotional depression in cats include lethargy (sleeping more than usual), changes in vocalization (more or less dependent on the cat), and occasionally behavioral issues like spraying or inappropriate elimination outside the litter box," notes Dr. Norrell.
To try to prevent your dog or cat from experiencing a rough transition period between the summer and fall, there are a few steps you can implement. Most importantly, "start sooner rather than later," stresses Dr. Norrell. Don't wait until the day your child goes off to college to start a new routine.
Here are a few tips to prevent "the back to school blues:"
Maintain your pet's normal routine as much as possible. Try to avoid changing the times that it is "let out" and meal times.
Increase physical activity--a laser light for your cat to chase and a long walk for your dog may give them a natural "feel good" endorphin release.
Leave a worn t-shirt or article of clothing out for your pet to smell.
Explore options for doggy day care centers in your area.
Reduce separation anxiety by providing positive association with your absence (treats/toys offered when you leave), and avoid making a big deal out of your arrival after returning home (it's a "normal" thing).
Buy a new toy your pet can play with while you are gone. Toys designed to challenge your pet will occupy his/her time. You can find specifically designed toys at major retailers such as those that require "working" for a treat.
On a final note, some owners consider getting another animal as a companion for the one left at home. "Owners need to think about what is best for their dog or cat, rather than their guilt of leaving a pet home alone," notes Dr. Norrell. Adding a pet into a household may cause more stress than benefit depending on the family and the current pet. If you do decide to add another animal to your household, it is important to plan ahead and make sure time permits for acclimation of the new pet to the household and for the current pet to accept and bond with its new pal BEFORE they are expected to make adjustments to being left alone.
Good news from the CFA Pet Healthcare Insurance Plan! Effective June 24, 2010 the NEW CFA Pet Healthcare Plan 60-Day COMPLIMENTARY Trial Plan* is available to all cat owners. The CFA Pet Healthcare Plans offer affordable insurance for every cat owner's budget. Enroll online, by phone or by mail.
In addition, there is a NEW multi-pet discount for all CFA Pet Healthcare annual plans! The new CFA Pet Healthcare Plan multi-pet discount applies to each pet’s plan, when more than one cat or dog is insured in the CFA Pet Healthcare program. Get a 5% discount on the entire premium of all eligible plans in the same household.
The CFA Foundation was established on June 22, 1990 by the CFA Board of Directors as a forum to educate the general public about the existence and history of the cat.
THE COLLECTION
Roy Andersen painting
NEEDS
The Foundation, like it's counterpart The Dog Museum of America, has as it's mandate "the collection, preservation and exhibition of works of art and literature related to the cat." Each passing year sees more material destroyed because breeders and their heirs do not consider it as having value or interest. We welcome the opportunity to make that determination.
What are we looking for? Many of us have
collected cat memorabilia over the years. Some valuable, very valuable only
to us. Works of art, paintings, sculptures and other cat collectibles
(ceramic cats, cats as toys, cats at Christmas and other festivals, wooden,
metal, glass cats, and cats in advertising are a few examples) are all needed
to build a comprehensive collection of cat artifacts.
In each future issue of Fanc-e-Mews, we will showcase a particular piece from the foundation's collection. If you are interested in contributing to the history of the cat fancy maintained by the CFA Foundation, please email foundation at info@FelineHistoricalFoundation.org
Frontier Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RJET), has announced that customers can now travel with their small, furry friends in the cabin of the aircraft for a $75 each-way pet fare. The new in-cabin pet policy applies to small dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small household birds. All pets must fit into a carrier that fits under the airplane seat and they must have proper health documentation in order to fly.
“We have spent a lot of time listening to our customers and determining what would make their travel experience even better,” said Ian Arthur, vice president of marketing and branding. “We received a lot of feedback on our pet policy and determined that pets would be a welcome addition to the Frontier travel experience.”
In addition to allowing small pets in the cabin, Frontier also accommodates larger pets as checked baggage. Pets weighing more than 20 pounds, who do not fit the pets-in-cabin requirements, may be checked for a $150 fee.
For more information on traveling with a pet as carry-on or checked baggage, please visit FrontierAirlines.com.
Cat sits in the sun;
her fur warms all she touches
while she sleeps.
Betsy Stowe is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer. Betsy is a member of the Cat Writers' Association and the Dog Writers Association of America. She is the author of CALICO TALES AND OTHERS, a collection of her poems and photos of her beloved adopted stray cats, who have lived with her on farm and in town.
Cat dreams beckon at random hours
Their siren song, so sweet a lure
Cat dreams dance on a velvet nose,
They tickle whisker tips and toes
Cat dreams seep into tranquil sleep
With a startled mew or a thrashing tail
Cat dreams linger 'neath heavy lids,
Savoring the vestiges
Cat dreams hover, ever near
Their portions limitless and deep
The cat slips endless toward their sphere,
Three paws aground, and one in sleep
ABOUT THE CARTOONIST: Cartoonist Loren Fishman currently resides in Minneapolis, and is a graduate
student at the University of Minnesota. Since a young age, he has possessed a
fondness and facility for doodling in school, and making inane observations in
social situations. His cartoons were first published in 2009 in The Minnesota
Daily newspaper, and his cartoon panel "Humoresque" appears in several online
publications. In addition to comedic pursuits, Loren works as a classical
pianist, and as an instructor of piano and music performance for university
students. For information about using his cartoons, please e-mail Loren at
lorenfishman@hotmail.com
ABOUT THE CARTOONIST: Stephanie Piro is an award winning cartoonist, designer and illustrator. She is one of King Features' "Six Chix" team of women cartoonists, and
author of "My Cat Loves Me Naked". Her cartoons appear in newspapers, magazines, books and on greeting cards. Her popular cat designs are available on t-shirts and other gift items through her Strip T's Design Company website . E-mail Stephanie for info about using her cartoons or illustrations. See Stephanie's ad in the Fanc-e-Classifieds!
ABOUT THE CARTOONIST: Steve Langille, a resident of California, is the creator of a hilarious, single panel cartoon called "STRANGE BREED". Steve's cartoons are published regularly in the Sierra Star and Santa Cruz Mountain Times newspapers and he is doing the cartoons for a new book by Thomas Peacock. To see more of Steve's cartoons, visit his web site at www.strangebreedcartoons.com
ABOUT THE CARTOONIST: Award-winning cartoonist Jerry King is one of the most published, prolific and versatile cartoonists in the world today. His work has appeared in thousands of greeting cards, magazines, Web sites, books, newspapers, newsletters and children's books. His client list includes Disney, American Greetings, The United States Golf Assoc., and many others. Visit Jerry's web site at www.jerryking.com.
If a puppy and a kitten grow up together, the chances of them getting along are much higher than if they are introduced to one another at different life stages. Growing and maturing together teaches them to automatically accept the other, and live peacefully in the same household since neither of them knows it to be any different. They will learn to respect each other immediately and will most likely become the best of friends!
