Cats & Dogs:The Revenge of Kitty Galore

I haven't been able to watch TV lately without constantly seeing the promos for "Cats & Dogs:
The Revenge of Kitty Galore" coming at me from all directions. I have to admit whomever is marketing this movie is doing an amazing job because against my better judgment this movie has piqued my curiosity.

"Cats & Dogs:The Revenge of Kitty Galore" is actually the sequel to the 2001 move "Cats & Dogs" (have any of you seen it?)

I often try to ignore blogging about the obvious and hottest topics pertaining to cats  and choose topics that might be a little off the beaten path but I have to say the marketing magic done with this movie made me change my mind. The promos are everywhere and I must say they have intrigued me. Intrigued me to the point that I HAVE to go and see this movie? Not sure. I am relying on the judgment of you, my loyal readers of Cat Chat to offer your feedback, either persuading me to go or pass (at least until it is released on DVD).

So what is this movie about?

The Plot:"Kitty Galore (Bette Midler), a hairless Sphynx cat, is fed up with dogs and her fellow cat comrades, so she decides to take over the world and enslave the humans. Diggs (James Marsden), a German Shepherd police dog, and his mentor, Butch (Nick Nolte), are selected by the Dogs HQ spy force to stop her. Having no other option to stop Kitty Galore, the cats join forces with the dogs with additional support from a pigeon to stop Galore's evil scheme. Meanwhile, Kitty Galore gains the aid of the mice (One of them is also seen as her pet) and Mr. Tinkles (Sean Hayes), the antagonist from the first movie. Cats and dogs must now work together to save the world, and their humans." www.wikipedia.com

What intrigues me most about this movie is the amazing roster of stars lending their talents as voices of the cast of this movie. In addition to the names listed above the voices of Christina Applegate, Neil Patrick Harris, Chris O'Donnell and Alec Baldwin are all a part of this film.





Another point that has me intrigued is I heard somewhere along the way that all of the cats and dogs in this film are all rescue animals. Nothing better than that, I love a rags to riches story.
  People Magazine gives this movie 3 out of 4 stars (for those who care what the critics say).

The definition of "galore" from Websters is "in abundance, plentifully, to attract crowds" it remains to be seen if "Cats & Dogs:The Revenge of Kitty Galore" will prove this definition to be true. Now, YOU tell me, are you planning on seeing this film? I eagerly await your decisions!

Happy Adoption Day Dear Cody!!

You came to us on a warm July day,

All warm and soft and smokey gray.

Your cuddly, loving, curious ways

Endeared you to us from that very first day.

So hard to believe 3 years have gone by,

Like the twitch of a kitty tail,

Or a blink of a Cat's Eye,

You are special to us each and every day

But today is SUPER SPECIAL, why?

It's Happy Adoption Day!!

With All Of Our Love,

Mom, Dad and Dakota

Sue Gibson, A True Friend Of Ferals

Michigan's own Sue Gibson contacted me back in June introducing herself, telling me that she works exclusively with feral cats, rehabbing them and finding homes for them when they are ready. She has worked with approximately 130 ferals (from four weeks to four years old) and says she has only had to find barn placement for two.

How Did It Start?

Sue's work with feral cats began in the Fall of 1996 when a pregnant feral stopped on her porch looking for food. The feral later was named "Cutie" by Sue and was with her from October 1996 through March 2002. Cutie produced 12 litters-37 kittens total (all of whom survived). Cutie should have been named "Smartie" because as hard as Sue tried to catch her to have her spayed Cutie outsmarted her at every turn. Sue was, however, able to bring all of the kittens in and place them in homes of their own (three of them remained with Sue).

Sue is self-taught in the ways of feral rescue. When she first started she found little support when she contacted various rescue groups, her vet offered support for a while but stopped when they no longer wanted feral cats at their facility.

Why does she do this work?

 As Sue says "simply for the love of the species". She thinks that cats are "the most misunderstood animals on the planet" (I have to agree). Each kitten is born with it's own "purrsonality". There are "people cats" and "aloof cats" in both feral and non-feral cats. It is about the personality. Just like in the case of people. There are people who are "people persons" and people who are not.

What is her method of rehab?

 Sue uses large dog crates which prevent the cats from being able to hide under furniture etc. The crates enable the cats to get used to you being closer to them much faster. She sets the crates up with a small cat condo so they have a place to feel safe, a covered litter box (which also provides an extra level for the cats to perch on and affording them jumping exercise). She provides lots of toys and keeps toys within a paws reach outside of the crate to interest them.

For cats fearful of being touched Sue uses an ingenious method of having a "feather stick" lightly stroke their back and when Sue knows they like that and are comfortable she can then use her hand to stroke their back.

What is the turn around time on rehab?


 Sue says it is always different and depends on the individual cat, what they have been through and how fearful they are. Some of her success rates have been as brief as 3 days, others as long as nine months. Sue's critieria for deciding when a cat can come out of a crate is when the cat greets her at the crate door when she shows up wanting her to pet it.

Sue takes great pride in cats that are more difficult to work with. She says "I like the fact that I can take them from being nasty or difficult and turn them into a cat I can toss over my shoulder and walk around the house with. It is very rewarding to see former ferals living in the lap of luxury and enjoying life, especially during the winter when the temperature drops below freezing! I have an upper balcony where my cats love to sit and enjoy the sunshine-no one has ever tried to jump. It's almost like their attitude is been there-done that, not interested!!"

Need Help With Your Ferals?

Sue is more than happy to offer any assistance in the form of advice, trapping, loaning out a crate, setting it up and teaching people how to do what she does. She makes house calls! She wants it known though that she cannot bring them home with her. (She has 11 permanent houseguests since she began working with feral cats in 1996)  You may contact Sue Gibson at: 248-457-7149 or email: sgibson@gmhlaw.com

Cats And Dental Disease, "Mario Da Cat's" Story

I hate going to the dentist (do any of us actually like it? Well frankly my husband does but that is another story!) I have periodontal issues that necessitate that I see a dentist every three months. While sitting in the chair I remembered how my former cat Bobo suffered from periodontal issues. Leaving periodontal disease untreated in humans and in animals can cause a myriad of problems, one glaring problem is heart disease.

It is ironic that after one of my own visits to have my gums deep scaled I met Mary on Twitter (the Mom of @Mariodacat) who was telling me about the dental problems that Mario had experienced. I asked her if she would share Marios' story with the rest of us, she graciously agreed and I am honored to share it with all of you:

Mario's Story

I was thrilled when Caren asked me to do a guest blog post regarding my cat’s (@Mariodacat – on Twitter) dental problems and how he became toothless at the age of 4. Hopefully it will bring awareness to the importance of having your animals teeth cleaned when your veterinarian recommends such. If your vet recommends brushing, it can be done with proper training.

We adopted Mario from our local shelter in October 2008. A week later we were in having his teeth cleaned, and one had to be pulled as it could not be saved. He kept having recurring infections after that. Finally, after 4 changes in antibiotics (which clearly were not helping) our veterinarian said Mario might be one of those rare cats that are allergic to his own bacteria in the mouth. She recommended seeing an animal dentist in another city.

After many blood tests, extensive
 X-rays (Mario did have to be put under anesthesia for that), the dentist called us and said Mario’s teeth would have to be removed. When normal veterinarians remove teeth, they do the best that they can with their skills & equipment. Probably 99% of the time, it’s good enough for most animals. But it was determined that Mario was allergic to his own bacteria in his mouth. The dentist found little tiny bone fragments remaining from what his regular vet had pulled. These could not normally be seen without the specialized equipment that a dentist has.

He pulled all of Mario’s teeth, except the 4 canines, that first visit & cleaned up the hidden fragments left behind from his visit to our local vet. We were sent home with toothpaste for cats, a tiny brush, taught how to brush his teeth, and of course, more antibiotics. The Dentist stressed the importance of brushing daily. Well, even with our faithful brushing the infection still did not clear up. It was then determined that the 4 canines would also have to be removed.

By the time Mario had been with us a year, all his teeth had been pulled, we were missing a few $1,000 dollars, but we gained a very happy, healthy, loveable cat. He is able to eat dry kibble and, of course, canned cat food for a treat.

There wasn’t anything that we could have done to prevent this from happening, as we didn’t discover the problem until we had adopted him. But we are very grateful to our dentist for being aware of the problem and referring us to a specialist.

If you have an animal that has recurring infections in the mouth area, question your vet on whether or not your pet might be allergic to the bacteria in his/her mouth. If your vet hasn’t even heard of it, I would encourage you to contact an animal dentist in your state. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Had we not been referred to a dentist for animals, Mario probably wouldn’t be around today. Peridontal disease in animals is very serious and can be deadly. The infection can eventually enter the blood stream and that is when it becomes deadly.

Mario wrote about his ordeal in his blog – http://mariodacat.blogspot.com/It was written by him (with me, his human) typing for him so it is very lengthy, but informative. If you have an animal that you think might have a similar situation, I would encourage you to read it.

Trip To The Vet-Semi "Wordless" Wednesday!

"Something is up, why is THIS out?"

"I am gonna sit here and not budge, then she can't get me in there"

"I got it figured out,

 she throws the food in,

 I eat it then make my break for it!"

"You ok in there? She got ya!"

"Who do you think you are and where are you taking us?"

"Oh sure you are smiling Sheltie Boy! You are gonna be shampooed & blown dry, I am gonna get a shot!"

"That wasn't so bad after all! I love my Vet! But he did tell me I need to go on a diet....pffftttttt to that!"

What Is Cat Insurance?

I am honored to announce that today we have a guest blog from Trupanion Pet Insurance! Trupanion is going to be a regular contributor to "Cat Chat" and I am thrilled to have them on board! Welcome!

"Trupanion is rated #1 by veterinarians, has earned an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, is accepted by AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), and receives the industry's highest marks in consumer satisfaction for pet insurance." http://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com/

WHAT IS CAT INSURANCE?

Cat insurance in the United States is somewhat a new concept but in reality it has been around the world for over sixty years! Trupanion pet insurance allows you to enroll pets not only in the United States but also in Canada as well! http://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com/Home/Cat-Insurance

Have you ever had to go to the vet because your curious cat got into something they were not supposed to and accidently broke its paw? Well, if you had cat insurance, then it would be able to help you out with this particular accident. Have you gone to the vet a few times because your cat cannot seem to get away from your medicine cabinet and has been inhaling those pain reliever pills? Well if you have cat insurance, then it would help out paying for the medications that your cat has to take to help make them feel better after consuming toxins that could have been detrimental to them.

The great thing about having cat insurance is that you know that you will be covered if your furry little feline gets sick or has an accident. Trupanion pet insurance covers 90% of the vet bill and also covers diagnostic tests, medications and surgeries. What is not covered are pre-existing conditions. You are also able to chose whatever veterinarian is convenient for you. Pretty flexible, you might think. Well, it is even more flexible because you can even choose your own deductible, without affecting your policy! Also, there are no limits on claims and depending on your state (not all states are approved yet) there is also no limits on the policy itself. So, literally your cat is covered for their lifetime.

http://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com/Home/Cat-Insurance

Check out the Trupanion pet insurance website to do a free quote!http://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com/

Tuna + Cats = NO!!

"Ask any mermaid you happen to see? What's the best tuna?........", "Charlie knows, the best tasting tuna is......" , when it comes to your cat NEITHER!!  Surprised? So was I. Well at least years ago I was surprised when my vet had told me NEVER to feed "people" tuna to my cat. I never questioned why, I have this habit of listening to what my vet says much of the time without question so....I never fed either of my cats tuna.

Lately while reading other cat blogs that I follow, Facebook comments and reading various updates on Twitter, I am reading more and more about people serving their cats tuna, for purposes of this blog  when I am referring to  tuna I am referring to "people" tuna, "human" or "hooman" (if you are an "anipal") tuna, NOT tuna flavored cat food, got it? Good.  Now that we are on the same page, STOP FEEDING YOUR CAT PEOPLE TUNA....NOW!

Why?

"Cats can develop yellow fat disease from having too much tuna" (from http://www.connollyac.com/) "Yellow fat disease occurs most commonly in  young, overweight male and female cats with inappropriate diets." "Yellow fat disease is an inflammation of the fat tissue in the body due to a deficiency of Vitamin E."

Dr.Richard Brancato (a Clearwater, Florida veterinarian) says "although it is (tuna)  high in protein, tuna lacks sufficient amounts of certain amino acids, mainly taurine, to maintain feline health. There is insufficient calcium to balance the phosphorus; the ratio in canned tuna is 1-to-14.8 This results in bone disease."

From Yahoo.com "the most you should do is to use the WATER that is drained off from the can of tuna (not the OIL...for another reason), and drizzle it over their dry cat food once or twice a MONTH. They'll think they died and went to cat heaven...but without the danger".

Another vet from Yahoo.com said "I've had to treat numerous cats over the years for pretty severe enteritis resulting from eating tuna meat. One of my own babies got so ill from it when someone else left it sitting out on the counter for 5 minutes while he turned his back to take a phone call, that I had to put her on IV fluids for 2 days, in addition to intestinal medications"

"Tuna-FLAVORED food is okay.....Tuna meat.......BAD! How many cats do you know that go swimming in the ocean to catch tuna and eat it as part of their natural diet?"

'Nuff said.


I participate in the Saturday Pet Blogger's Blog Hop!!!

"Cat Days Of Summer" Update, Wordless Wednesday, (well, sort of)

"Precious" the "Pet Supplies Plus" store cat was the official greeter  at
 the "Cat Days Of Summer" event held July 9th, 10th & 11th at the
 "Pet Supplies Plus" stores located in Bloomfield Hills
 and White Lake, in Oakland County, Michigan.

These kittens are so adorable that if I were permitted to have more than 2 pets at our condo I would have had to have adopted the Tabby who is staring so prettily.

This is Addy Shattuck, a "Pet Supplies Plus" store owner.

All in all the event was a success!

 61 Cats and Kittens found "furever" homes!!!

There are still many cats/kittens that need homes throughout the country.

 Please contact your local cat rescue/shelter today and adopt a new "furever" friend!!

Calico Cats

CALICO (from Webster's Dictionary) "calico (Kaliko)-city in India ("Calicut") printed cotton fabric spotted like a Calico Cat".

"Calico refers to the pattern of coloring on a cat's coat, they are NOT a specific breed" http://www.thecatsite.com/

"Calico cats coloring usually consists of three colors (black, red and white). The colors are seen in patches, they are never blended. If they are blended or "mixed" they are Tortoiseshell cats.  They may also be found in shades of blue, chocolate, cream or fawn (but the colors will always appear in patches)."

My obsession with cats started at age 15. The object of my obsession was none other than a Calico cat (see my November 3, 2009 blog post "Loving Cats, When Did It Start?") So naturally my interest was piqued while watching our local news yesterday where they were discussing a Calico cat who was available to be adopted. The individual from the rescue organization said the vast majority of Calico cats  are female. Finding a male Calico is rare indeed. I had never heard this before, so I headed straight to the computer to find out why and to find out more information about this beautifully colored cat.

I found some interesting info on http://www.lovetoknow.com/ and I am happy to share it with you:

"The genetic code for color is contained in an X chromosome. Female cats receive an X chromosome from each parent, making them XX, while male cats receive an X chromosome from their mother and a Y chromosome from their father, making them XY.  In Calicos, one X chromosome carries the red color, while the other X carries black. Because two X chromosomes are necessary to create those distinct color patches, you'll find nearly all Calico cats are female.  The few male Calicos you'll find (perhaps one in three thousand), are nearly always sterile."

Some more interesting facts about Calico Cats:

October 1, 2001 The State Of Maryland declared the Calico Cat as their Official State Cat. (I never knew states had "Official State Cats", what is YOUR State's Official Cat?)

Japanese sailors used to bring Calico cats on their ships because they believed the cats would keep them safe at sea.

They are believed to bring good luck to any home who is lucky enough to have one, so if you are lucky enough to be "owned" by a Calico Cat run out and get that Mega Million or Powerball ticket today and when you win, thank your Calico and share a bit with this blogger who gave you this tip?


The photos above are none other than David Lawrence's Calico Cat "Baby Girl", David is a member of my Cat Chat page on Facebook. Come and join us!

Cat Days Of Summer! Today Thru Sun July 11th, Huge Cat Adoption! 200 Cats Need "Furever" Homes!

Cat Days of Summer will take place at Pet Supplies Plus stores in Bloomfield Hills at 2057 Telegraph Rd. (North of Square Lake) and in White Lake at 6845 Highland Rd. (M-59) and 8020 Cooley Lake Rd. on Friday, July 9, 4 p.m. - to 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 10, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and on Sunday, July 11, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cat adoptions Sunday only at the Cooley Lake Rd. store.

 Update on the Cat Days of Summer event -- July 9-11
Cat owners will be able to register to get their cat spayed or neutered for only $20 with discounts for multiple cats. Pre-payment and pre-registration are required. ONLY AT the Bloomfield Hills Pet Supplies Plus from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 9, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 10 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 11. Cat spay and neuter will be provided by licensed veterinarians of Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills, MI. For more information on the Cat Days of Summer event, go to http://petsuppliesplus.com  or call 248-889-4131.
The cats and kittens are being transported from Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills and Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue in Waterford. They have all been health checked, vaccinated and spayed/neutered and are just looking for good homes. This event hopes to ease overcrowding of homeless pets in Oakland County, Michigan.
Customers will be treated to free hotdogs, sales on all pet supplies along with no sales tax, drawings for door prizes including gifts baskets from The Gifted Pet http://www.thegiftedpet.com/plus all the fun of a summer festival. Those adopting a cat or kitten can have a free photo taken of their newly-adopted pet and also get a free goody bag with items from Pet Supplies Plus and Nooters Club® which promotes pet spay and neuter and responsible pet guardianship.
Cat Days of Summer is being sponsored by Nooters Club® and Nature’s Variety.
I participate in the Saturday "Pet Bloggers Blog Hop!!!"
If you have a cat adoption event, cat product or cat service etc. that you would like to see featured in this blog please contact Caren Gittleman either directly through the comment section of this blog, on Twitter www.twitter.com/catchatcaren or message me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/carenosringittleman

Wordless Wednesday-Got Heat? Think SNOW!

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Homes Needed For 200 Cats! Cat Days Of Summer July 9-11, Pet Supplies Plus

With temperatures in the 90s it feels more like the "dog days of summer" but this weekend Pet Supplies Plus will be sponsoring the "Cat Days Of Summer", in Oakland County, Michigan,  an event not to be missed!

The Michigan stores are ushering in 200 cats that will be available for adoption as part of the Pet Supplies Plus Cat Days of Summer event July 9 - 11. The cats and kittens are being transported from Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills and Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue in Waterford. They have all been health checked, vaccinated and spayed/neutered and are just looking for good homes. Event hopes to ease overcrowding of homeless pets in Oakland County, Michigan.

Customers will be treated to free hotdogs, sales on all pet supplies along with no sales tax, drawings for door prizes including gifts baskets from The Gifted Pet http://www.thegiftedpet.com/ plus all the fun of a summer festival. Those adopting a cat or kitten can have a free photo taken of their newly-adopted pet and also get a free goody bag with items from Pet Supplies Plus and Nooters Club® which promotes pet spay and neuter and responsible pet guardianship.

“If you are looking for a new feline companion, this is the place to be,” said Addy Shattuck, owner of Pet Supplies Plus stores in Bloomfield Hills and White Lake. “We will have all different breeds, colors and sizes of cats and kittens. We are hoping that we can find homes for more pets in Oakland County. "

Cat Days of Summer will take place at Pet Supplies Plus stores in Bloomfield Hills at 2057 Telegraph Rd. (North of Square Lake) and in White Lake at 6845 Highland Rd. (M-59) and 8020 Cooley Lake Rd. on Friday, July 9, 4 p.m. - to 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 10, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and on Sunday, July 11, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cat adoptions Sunday only at the Cooley Lake Rd. store.

Cat Days of Summer is being sponsored by Nooters Club® and Nature’s Variety. For information,
call 248-889-4131 or go to http://www.petsuppliesplus.com./

If you have a cat adoption event, cat product or cat service etc. that you would like to see featured in this blog please contact Caren Gittleman either directly through the comment section of this blog, on Twitter www.twitter.com/catchatcaren or message me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/carenosringittleman

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!

Have a happy and safe 4th!!!!

Bring your outdoor kitties in and away from the fireworks!!

Video courtesy of "Cat Diaries" and Youtube

For All Of Our "Soul Kitties" Who Have Crossed The Rainbow Bridge

It is 3 years ago today that I lost my Bobo,  my  "Soul Kitty".  What is a "Soul Kitty?" It is  once-in-a- lifetime pet.  The ying to our yang.  A pet tied more deeply to us than many people in our lives have been, or could ever hope to be.  Our fur babies are ALL special but I believe if you think really hard there is just one who stands out from the others.

  The one whose fur would be dampened by our tears as he snuggled peacefully by our side just to offer us comfort.

The one who would make us laugh til our sides ached at all of his kitty crazies and craziness.

The one who you swore that " there was no other cat out there quite like him" (isn't it funny how we ALL say that about our cats?)

For my Bobo and  all of those one-of-a-kind kitties who have touched our lives,  thank you. These poems are both quite well known but they are worth viewing again and again.

The Rainbow Bridge

 "Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.


When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.


They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross The Rainbow Bridge together.... "


Author unknown...


A Pet's Ten Commandments



1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.


2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.


3. Place your trust in me, it's crucial for my well being.


4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, entertainment, but I only have you.


5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.


6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.


7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to.


8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Am I getting the right food, have I been in the sun too long, or is my heart getting old or weak.


9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.


10. On the diffucult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.







From the Wyoming County SPCA Website.

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