June 2013 ~ Dog&Cat

Fun Places for Cat Lovers to Visit

7:00 AM Unknown

Sign outside Hello Kitty theme park

By Julia Williams

This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me even slightly: I have a “cat-themed” bucket list. What might that be, you ask? Well, it’s a detailed list of all the cat-themed places I want to visit before my demise. Lest you think that would be a really short list, I assure you it isn’t. There are, in fact, so many fabulous feline-inspired things to see worldwide, that I would need to live (at least) several hundred years to cross them all off.

The wildly popular cat-obsessed blog, Catsparella, only contributed to my longing by featuring some purrfect pussycat travel destinations in a series of great posts called Around the World in 80 Cats. Every day for months I salivated worse than Pavlov’s Dog, and sulked that my pink leopard suitcase and I wouldn’t be heading to the airport any time soon. Here are just a few of the feline-themed destinations on my bucket list:

Hello Kitty boat ride

Hello Kitty Theme Park: Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo

It takes a special kind of bravery for a middle-aged woman to admit that she (still) likes Hello Kitty. But I do. And despite the fact that the target audience for Sanrio Puroland is 3-6 year olds, I would go there in a heartbeat, and I would have a wonderful time. Never mind that the reviews on Trip Advisor range from “Every Hello Kitty fan’s dream come true” to “A complete waste of time and money.” Besides, Wikipedia claims that “the park has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.” So there! The park is run by the Sanrio company, creators of Hello Kitty, and features live musicals, restaurants, attractions, parades, fireworks and rides, including an “It’s a Small World” type boat ride. For diehard Kitty fans, the extensive gift shop offerings alone would be worth the trip.

Catskill, New York: Cat n’ Around Festival

Yes, it makes perfect sense that a tiny town called Catskill would find a way to celebrate the divine feline. Every summer since 2007, 40+ fiberglass cats take up residence along Catskill’s Historic Main Street, adding a healthy dose of charm to an already quaint place. The larger-than-life decorative cat statues are handmade by local artists, and each year there is a new, original litter. The kitties are on display from May to September, and then auctioned off to raise money for charity. I became aware of this unique cat-themed travel destination a few years ago after it was featured on the awesome – but alas, short lived – TV show Must Love Cats. I can’t think of a better reason to visit upstate New York, can you?

The Kuching Cat Museum in Malaysia

Kuching Cat Museum entrance

What’s a metropolis to do when their very name means Cat City? Pay homage to the venerable feline with cat statues everywhere, of course. But why stop there? Kuching didn’t, and their one-of-a-kind Cat Museum has become a must-see attraction for feline fans worldwide. Inaugurated in 1993, the museum features 2000+ feline exhibits, artifacts, art, photographs, statues, stamps, posters and – perhaps most intriguing of all – a mummified Egyptian cat dating back to 3500 BC! The museum is much more than just a collection of cat memorabilia, however; it’s also a research center devoted to exploring the rich cultural history of our feline friends.

The Hemingway Home/Museum in Key West, Florida

Cat chillaxing at Hemingway Home

The former home of Ernest Hemingway is a must-see destination for literary types, who enjoy checking out the rooms and gardens where the celebrated American author lived and wrote for more than 10 years. But cat lovers find the place just as enchanting, thanks to 40-50 felines that have full roaming privileges. Legend has it that a ship’s captain gave Hemingway a white polydactyl (six toed) cat named Snowball, who became the first of many felines to win his heart. Although some say that never actually happened, the museum’s tour guides diligently keep the legend alive, so that the hordes of cat fans keep coming.

Cat inside the Hemingway home

Also on my cat-themed bucket list: lots more Hello Kitty madness including a Sweet Shop in Taipei, Taiwan, a Beauty Spa in Dubai, and Harmonyland, another Sanrio theme park on the island of Kyushu; a visit to “Station Master Tama” (a calico cat) on the Kishigawa Line in Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan; the tiny Pacific Ocean island of Tashirojima (aka Cat Island), where felines outnumber humans; the Cat Boat, a floating animal sanctuary in Amsterdam; the cat-themed train station and cat-shaped bridge in Taipei; and the Festival of the Cats in the Belgian town of Ypres.

Have you ever been to any of these places?

Hello Kitty photos courtesy of Catsparella

Kuching Cat Museum courtesy of virtualmalaysia.com

Hemingway Home photos by James Willamor

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Ready for Dating – Single Brown Dog Seeks “Alicia Keeshond”

7:00 AM Unknown

By Bruin, canine guest blogger

Thanks to CANIDAE natural pet food, I'm well on my way to achieving my weight loss goal. I still have at least 10 more pounds to lose until I do justice to my speedo, but I have been thinking about entering the dating scene. Since I'm currently unemployed, not attending classes, don't spend much time in religious facilities (rules, rules, rules, everybody has their rules) and don't like hanging out at bars, I thought perhaps on-line dating might be the answer.

I'm really not interested in the stud service sites since I have a three-date rule (see what I mean about everybody having rules – I guess I'm just as guilty). Since I haven't been successful in finding a suitable site, I was thinking I might have to start one on my own.

Although I'm over 21 (in dog years), theoretically I should be able to do as I please. My mom and dad tell me that as long as I live in their house I have to follow their rules (ack, there it is again – rules). I think their concern is that I'll open myself up to meeting all kinds of bitches.

Right now I spend most of my free time lying by the pool and working on my tan. Since I have no lions to hunt, just the occasional kitty cat, I do enjoy the excitement (NOT!) of bird watching. The kitty cats actually have the audacity to use "my place" as their litter box. Believe me, my dad is not a happy camper when it's clean-up time.

Speaking of those annoying little rascals, I was thinking of naming my dating site, the CAT'S' MEOW. I'm a little concerned about the name, because I wouldn't want to attract the wrong types. While we're on the subject of type, I want you to know that I have very simple tastes.

The dog of my dreams doesn't have to sing like Cher Pei, Alicia Keeshond or Shirley Bassett Hound. She doesn't have to dance like Jennifer Greyhound (though I do like 4 longs legs that go way, way up) and she doesn't have to look like Collie Robinson-Peete. I'm really not into the Brittany Spaniel Spears personality, but almost anything else is fine. I'm looking for someone extremely well-groomed, as hygiene is very important to me.

She should enjoy good food like CANIDAE Life Stages (Chinese and Italian doesn't do it for me, but a nice juicy steak is within the realm of possibility). Working dogs are OK, but she should know that I'm unable to have pups so she has to be willing to adopt. Obviously, I would not consider someone in her menopausal years as too “mature.”

If she prefers, I would not be averse to meeting in a public place such as a park where I could unleash my animal magnetism if the opportunity should arise. Of course, it would have to be consensual. I wouldn't mind meeting up with a gentle Afghan who would be welcome to wrap herself around me. I know, I know; I said I have a three-date rule…but remember, some rules were made to be broken!

Love & Licks,

Bruin

How Some Popular Dog Breeds Got Their Name

7:00 AM Unknown

Cocker Spaniel

By Linda Cole

Deciding on the perfect name for a new puppy or dog isn't always easy to do. You want to pick one that fits his personality and is easy to learn. Now imagine coming up with a name for a new dog breed. The history of dog breeds is an interesting story. The history behind naming some of our popular dog breeds is also an intriguing tale.

Cocker Spaniel

Spaniels date back to the 14th century; they evolved over the years with some working on land and others working as water retrievers. These dogs were highly prized by English hunters for their outstanding ability to flush out and retrieve a large, short legged and bulky wading bird called a woodcock. This nocturnal bird spends most of the day hiding in dense cover. People started calling the dog “cocker,” and the name caught on.

Labrador Retriever

Newfoundland is the land of the Labrador Retriever, not Labrador. Fishermen around the Canadian province used a small water dog that was bred with Newfoundland dogs to produce a first-class swimmer called the St. John's Water Dog, the ancestor of the Labrador. The breed had webbed feet and was used to retrieve fishermen's nets from the icy waters and bring them back to shore. In the early 1800s, the Earl of Malmesbury saw one of the dogs in action and imported it to England. He trained his dogs to retrieve ducks and called them “Labrador dogs.” Even though the Earl was confused about which province his dogs came from, the name stuck as the dog became more popular.

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier

This little dog was developed on the Isle of Skye, in Scotland. Farmers wanted a small, feisty dog with lots of courage, determination, intelligence and the ability to go to ground when necessary after prey. The Cairn Terrier was bred to hunt badger, otter, fox, rabbit and other vermin. They were especially good at digging prey out from under cairns, which are mounds of man-made piles of stone used in the Scottish Highlands as grave site memorials and boundary markers. People started calling the dogs Cairn, and that's where the breed name came from.

Great Dane

This is one of the tallest dog breeds on Earth, affectionately referred to as the “Apollo of all breeds.” The Great Dane was developed in Germany and was likely created from mastiff type dogs, the Greyhound and the Irish Wolfhound. It was the French who named this breed, mistaking Denmark as the country of origin. In Germany, the dog is known as the Deutsche Dogge. A proper diet is very important for Great Danes, and it's essential to feed them a high quality food made especially for big dogs, such as the new CANIDAE Large Breed Formula.

Bouvier Des Flandres

This breed was developed in Flanders, which is located in northern Belgium, as an all-around farm dog to drive cattle, herd sheep, pull carts and act as a watchdog. French farmers were impressed with the working spirit of the dog and the breed name is French, meaning “Cow herder of Flanders.”

Beagle

This little dog has a distinct, resonant baying voice, which was how hunters were able to follow a pack of Beagles as they eagerly chased after prey. According to the Oxford English dictionary, the beagle word was first used in English writings in 1475. Where the word came from, however, is still a mystery. Beagle could have come from a French word “begueule” that means open throat, or a French, Old English or Celtic word “beag” which means little. Another possibility is a French word “beugler” which means to bellow, or a German word, “begele” which means to scold.

Dachshund puppy

Dachshund

The Dachshund is an interesting breed, not only in looks, but in the job this small dog was bred to do. Don't let those short legs and long body fool you. When it comes to rooting out prey from underground, this breed is as feisty, determined, smart and capable as any dog. The breed was created in the early 1600s to work with hunters. Their job was to dig into badger holes and engage in combat with them. The dog was so good at doing his job, the breed was named in honor of his fearless spirit. Dachshund is a German word that means “badger dog.”

Weimaraner

Nicknamed the “Grey Ghost” because of his unique coat color, this breed was developed in the early 1800s at the Weimar court in Germany. Noblemen wanted a courageous hunting dog that was smart and fast, with plenty of stamina and good scenting ability to take on bear, wolves and deer. The breed name comes from the court he was developed in.

Cocker Spaniel photo by Jeremy McWilliams

Cairn Terrier photo by robinsend

Dachshund photo by Bill Kuffrey

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Should I Adopt Two Adult Cats at the Same Time?

7:00 AM Unknown

By Langley Cornwell

My mother-in-law recently decided to add a heartbeat or two to her solitary life. We went to the animal shelter with her because she wanted our advice and moral support. I’m amazed that my husband and I didn’t come home with another four-legged family member, but that’s beside the point.

She set out to adopt an adult cat because she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to keep up with a kitten or adolescent cat’s high energy level. What’s more, we know that adult cats are harder to place and, as a rule, we try to help the animals like that.

When we entered the shelter, we told the staff what we were there for. They offered helpful advice on various adoptable cats that fit her criteria. After a brief conversation, we walked the aisles, surveying the available cats and watching my mother-in-law’s reactions. It was during this time that the shelter manager approached us and started in with her targeted and compassionate sales pitch. Mind you, this is the same shelter that has – thankfully - talked my husband and me into many pets that we didn’t intend to bring home. They’re good, very good!

We all know that adults and especially children gravitate towards the kittens and puppies in a shelter. Let’s face it, older animals just don’t radiate the same cuteness that the snuggly little kittens and puppies do, so adult animals often get ignored. Even so, there are real and measurable benefits to adding an adult pet (or two) to your family.

One of the top reasons that I personally would adopt two (or more) animals – not necessarily at the same time – is to save their lives and also to bring twice the amount of unconditional love into my life. But that’s just me, and you all know what an animal lover I am.

If you want to hear from a real expert, Christina Travalja, the North Shore Animal League’s cat behavior specialist, offers many reasons why adopting two adult cats at the same time is a good decision.

• Even though adult cats do not demand the same level of attention that kittens and adolescent cats require, they still flourish when they receive lots of stimulation and interaction. All animals are more likely to get destructive or into trouble when they’re bored. If you have two cats, they will appreciate the companionship of each other when you’re out of the house or just too tired or busy to interact.

• To further that point, cats are less likely to engage in disruptive behaviors like scratching, biting, chewing, etc. when they have another cat to socialize with. Two cats offer each other built-in socialization, exercise and playtime.

• Older cats have already developed their personalities, so the shelter staff will know if the specific cat you’ve taken a shine to prefers the company of other felines or not. Also, most adoption specialists are skilled at knowing which cats do best together. In fact, animal shelters often have pairs of adult cats who are already deeply bonded. Some are in shelters because their owner died or relocated to a place that didn’t allow animals. These pairs oftentimes grew up together and are already known to get along beautifully. Many of these bonded pairs would be devastated if they were separated.

• Veterinary studies reveal that when a cat shares his home with another cat, both cats are healthier. Just like people, animals with playmates do not get sick as often, and when they do get sick, they recover much quicker. Generally speaking, animals with companions live longer and happier lives.

What did my mother-in-law do? She chose a six-year-old brother and sister pair of long-haired precious mops. I’m happy to report that all three of them are much happier than they were before they united!

Top photo by chuckoutrearseats

Bottom photo by Lhoon

Read more articles by Langley Cornwell

The Role Carbs Played in the Evolution of Dogs

7:00 AM Unknown

By Linda Cole

Scientists are still trying to unravel the mystery behind how wolves evolved into dogs. It happened so long ago, the only evidence scientists have to work with is in archaeological research into how humans evolved and fossilized teeth and bones of early canines. Researchers have a basic understanding of the approximate time when humans and wolves began to interact. New discoveries are occasionally found which adds another piece to the evolution puzzle; hopefully one day we’ll have a complete picture of how dogs became man's best friend.

The scientific community is still debating whether wolves approached humans first or if it was the other way around. A partnership between man and domesticated wolves would have been a beneficial relationship; wolves could help bring down larger game with enough meat to share between humans and animals. With no refrigeration or knowledge of how to preserve meat, leftover kills wouldn't have stayed fresh for long. Women were gatherers, collecting edible berries, roots, nuts, green plants and smaller animals. A tamed wolf would have given them protection as they searched for food.

The more likely scenario that led to domestication, however, was a mutual relationship of “you leave me alone and I won't bother you” agreement between man and animal. With an advancing Ice Age, humans were forced to turn to other sources of food. Larger plant-eating animals began to die off as cooler temperatures caused their food source to become scarcer. Early humans were nomads following Mammoth and other large game because it didn't make sense to carry a kill long distances. When their main meal, the Mammoth, became harder to find, humans were forced to turn to other sources of food. They gave up their nomad life about 10,000 years ago, settled down in small villages, and turned to agriculture for a food supply.

With the introduction of grains, the human digestive system began to evolve to better digest carbs, and scientific evidence shows the wolf's digestive system also evolved at the same time and for the same reason. Modern dog has 10 genes that aid in digesting starches and breaking down fats. Scientists found changes in three of the genes, which is what makes it possible for dogs to split starches and absorb sugars. Today's wolves can't process starchy food, and that's one thing that sets them apart from modern dogs. This discovery, however, has nothing to do with when dogs became our best friend.

When man settled down in permanent villages, garbage dumps piled up on the outskirts of their encampments. Wolves have good reason for being wary of man. Prehistoric wolves interacting with humans would have also kept their distance, but garbage dumps would have been too tempting to ignore and provided easy access to food for the more adventurous animals. Bones, animal carcasses, grains and vegetables were gobbled up by hungry wolves drawn to the dumps. These animals are the ones that would have hung around communities. As their fear decreased, they became more tolerant of humans, at least at a distance. It wouldn't have been hard for them to figure out that getting along was in their best interest, especially since the more aggressive wolves would have been killed. The friendlier ones would have also been more tolerant of humans interacting with their pups.

Less fearful wolves snuggled next to outside walls of crude homes at night for warmth from fires within, and would have protected their territory from other animals or human strangers. The animals were still more interested in the food dumps than the humans. Early man discovered that wolves hanging around garbage dumps kept rodent populations under control, ate rotting food which controlled odors, and gave them advanced warning of intruders. It was a relationship that benefited both parties.

The timing of when the domestication process began is debatable, as well as what part of the world it began in. It's possible there were multiple attempts at domestication in at least three, and possibly, four different regions of the world. Bits of evidence continue to be unearthed as scientists try to fit fossilized discoveries into the evolutionary puzzle. Scientists believe dogs and wolves began to grow apart over 100,000 years ago, but so far, the oldest known fossil of modern dog dates back to around 36,000 years.

Based on the evolution of their digestive system, modern dog isn't a true carnivore. That's why it's important to feed your pet a high quality food like CANIDAE Life Stages which is made to meet the dietary needs of dogs, providing the right balance of protein and carbs. Every canine's dietary needs are different, however, and some dogs thrive on a grain free food. For those dogs, the CANIDAE super-premium pure formulas are an excellent choice.

Top photo by RikkisRefuge Other

Bottom photo by Rusty Clark

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Why Does My Cat “Go” Outside the Litter Box?

7:00 AM Unknown

By Julia Williams

I saw a funny cartoon on Facebook recently, where a cat had made a little Zen Garden out of his litter box. A woman commented that her cat had started pooping next to the litter box and they were going to find it a new home. Dozens of angry retorts from cat lovers followed, and while some of the comments were a bit harsh, I think their wrath was justified. Had the woman said she’d tried everything to figure out why the cat was doing this, and asked for help, it would have been a different story.

Unfortunately, there are people who, instead of trying to change this common but undesirable behavior, just dump the cat at the shelter. That doesn’t solve anything, and innocent animals suffer needlessly. It’s absolutely not the cat’s fault that it starts going outside the litter box. There is always a reason, and a responsible pet owner has a duty to figure it out and find a solution. Anything else is just unacceptable. Sometimes it’s not easy, but no one ever said life would be without challenges.

There are five main reasons a cat might start “doing his business” outside the litter box. Let’s take a look at them.

A Medical Problem

Many medical issues – including diabetes, cystitis, bladder stones and urethral blockage – can cause a cat to stop using the litter box, and some can be life threatening. Therefore, it’s imperative to take your cat to the vet to rule out a medical problem first, before considering other reasons for the litter box aversion.

Type of Litter

Back in 1947, when Edward Lowe “accidentally” invented the first commercially packaged kitty litter, pet owners weren’t faced with a gazillion choices like they are today. How do we choose one? It depends somewhat on your personal preferences, but in the end it’s really about which one your cat likes and will use. If you love the natural kitty litters made from corn or wheat but your cat doesn’t, guess who has the final say? If you think scented litter smells nice, but your cat (whose sense of smell is infinitely greater than your own) prefers unscented, then unscented is what you’ll have to use. Some litter has a rough texture, and your cat might prefer a finer, sandy feel.

If your cat doesn’t like your choice of litter for any reason, she’s going to let you know with inappropriate elimination – and you will never convince them to accept a litter they find objectionable. You may have to try many different brands and types to discover which one is the holy grail of kitty litters in your cat’s eyes, but once you do, stick with it.

Box Location

The classic real estate adage “location, location, location” is also important for the litter box. Situate the box in a safe, low-traffic location that’s easily accessible, offers some privacy and is not near appliances that make startling noises. Litter boxes should also not be placed next to food and water bowls, because cats don’t like to eat or drink near where they go to the bathroom any more than humans do. If you have multiple cats and more than one litter box, don’t put them all in the same place if you have a bully cat who might try to keep a timid cat away from the box.

Cleanliness

Most people flush their own toilets after every use, yet some think it’s perfectly acceptable to let several days’ worth of offerings accumulate in the litter box. Aside from the issue of smelling up your house, stepping in poo is offensive to your fastidious feline’s sensibility. That’s not to say you have to be like some obsessive-compulsive people I know (okay...it’s me) who hover over the litter box to scoop immediately after the cat finishes his business. But you do have to clean it often – daily, if possible.

The Box Itself

Size matters for many things … litter boxes among them. Don’t expect an adult cat to keep using the itty bitty box you got when he was a kitten, and don’t expect a large cat to feel comfortable using a medium sized box. Actually, I’m not sure there is such a thing as “too big” when it comes to the litter box, at least in terms of the cat’s acceptance.

The number of litter boxes is also important for many cats. The Litter Box Golden Rule is one for each cat, plus one extra. That being said, I have three cats and only one litter box (gasp!) and my cats don’t seem to mind. It probably helps that I have OCD and scoop that one box several times a day, but even so, it seems the golden rule might not apply to every household.

There are other reasons why a cat might start going outside their litter box. One might say this post has only “scratched the surface” (sorry!) so if more research is needed, the website catinfo.org is a good place to start.

Top photo by Tracie Hall

Bottom photo by Graham Smith

Read more articles by Julia Williams