Month: June 2018

Raena stands on edge of stroller and looks out

Service Cats: Kitten/Cat Proofing Your Home Pt. 1

Published on by Service Cats U.S.16 Comments

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays; where we tackle your questions and topic suggestions, includin’ Trainin’ Tips, Health, and everything purr worthy. Purrlease submit your questions in the comments below or by sendin’ us an email via our Contact page. And you can always ketch up or reread any post in this series by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu.

 

Raena sits in tiger kitty holster cat harness

 

 

 

 

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

     As most of you know, mommy volunteered with rescue groups fur many years. Her specialty was “bottle babies”, kittens with no mother. She could always count on kitten season to fill up her house and every other rescue and shelter. Kitten season rolls around every year without fail because there are still so many cats that don’t get spayed or neutered. In our part of the world, kitten season runs from April to about August.

 

3 week old Lexi waddling through the house
110 camera image
Lexi at 3 weeks

 

 

 

     Spring and Summer temperatures are ideal for causing females to go into heat and start seeking to mate. Because of this, June has become known as Adopt a Cat month. However, kitten or adult, all cats are extremely adventurous and curious. Taking this and some of the emails we’ve gotten lately into consideration, we’ve decided to run a a small miniseries on prepping for and adopting a new kitty. Today, we’re going to talk about Kitten/Cat proofing your home.

 

Baby Dezi her first week at home
Dezi 3 weeks

 

 

 

     You might be thinking we should start with picking your new family member, however, we believe the process starts here with prepping your home before the new addition arrives; just as you would for a human baby. Regardless of the age you plan to adopt, you’ll need to take some steps to make sure your home is safe to bring a new kitty in to.

 

RaenaBelle travels to her forever home in mommy's lap

 

 

 

Get Low:

     Now this may sound funny to you, but kitty will spend a lot of time on the floor. You may not need to actually get on your knees but you do need to see your home through kitty’s eyes. All the cords running from your television, computer, lamps, clocks and whatever else are just large stationary strings/vines to kitty. They are also a nice chew toy. Think Tarzan swinging from vine (cord) to vine (cord). Mommy’s found the best deterrent is to wrap those cords in electrical tape. Cords hanging off the edge of desks or tables can be wrapped in those cord protectors. If you need a cheap DIY cord protector, you can use an old long sleeve shirt or lightweight pants legs. Just cut the sleeves or legs off and put the cords thru it. Depending on the length of the cord(s) and your arms/legs, you may need more than one sleeve. 

 

     Check your shelves for knick knacks. If there’s something you’d be heartbroken to lose, put it away. Don’t blame a rambunctious kitty when it gets broken. Move candles, potpourri, oil burners, dangerous/toxic houseplants, photos and photo albums, and books to higher shelves or put them in storage. Better yet, throw the potpourri out, it harbors dust mites and is toxic to kitty at any age.

 

Kitchen & Dining Room:

     Let’s take a look at the kitchen and dining room, why don’t we?. What dangers could be in such a pawsome place you ask? Well, mommy keeps the bug sprays and some of the cleaners under the kitchen cabinet, do you? Us kitties are very smart and we’re tenacious. If we want in some where, we’ll work at it until we find a way. Make sure kitty can’t get into the cabinet with cleaners, chemicals and/or poisons. Commercial child proof locks work well for kitty too.

 

     Burner covers for the stove top come in very handy and can be purchased for as low as $1.00. Never leave hot burners unattended until you know for sure how kitty will act around them. Better yet, train kitty to stay off the stove and kitchen counters altogether. Check out our Training Tips to stop Countersurfing kitty here. Throw out the plastic fruits and fruit bowls of yesteryear and make sure any fruits left out are safe for kitty to eat. Don’t leave tempting food on the counters uncovered. At least not until kitty has successfully passed the No Countersurfing course. MOL

 

     NEVER, leave the oven door open, especially when turned on. Kitty’s desire for warmth and natural curiosity combined with a hot oven can make for a deadly combination. Never leave the refrigerator or freezer doors open. More than once Raena’s tried to hop into the fridge for a look see. That girl does love her cheese. If you have one of those automatic dishwashers, keep the door closed and/or keep an eye on kitty while you load and unload. Anyways, me thinks you’re getting the idea here, open doors are rarely a kitty’s friend. 

 

Dezi lays in Gen7 stroller looking up at Raena who stands on the handle

Never underestimate a determined kitty.

 

 

 

Well, me’s gonna wrap it up fur today. As me meowed earlier, this will be a little miniseries, so we’ll be back next week with more Kitten/Cat Proofing ideas fur ya’. Don’t furget you can ketch up on any posty you may have missed by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything feline page from the menu above. And purrlease, leave your questions, comments and topic suggestions in the comments section below or send us an email via our Contact page. Remember when askin’ behavioral questions to purrlease be as specific as pawssible and include any examples you think are necessary. Now, let’s get some kitties adopted!!! OMC Me totally furgot to link up with Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday, so we had to come back and edit me’s posty. Now, let’s get some kitties adopted. 🙂

 

Till the next time……………………………………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle     

Raena sits pretty in the chair

Chatting Cats: Mousies, Rats And Nip Oh My

Published on by Service Cats U.S.22 Comments

Hey everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle. Ya’ know, I’s went lookin’ fur that fly after mine’s dinner and couldn’t find it anywhere. It’s like it just disappeared or somethin’. Mommy said flies don’t live very long in the house, so he purrobably just went off somewhere and died,. I’s sure hope he don’t start stinkin’ up the place. Humans are always talkin’ ‘bout how their house smells like somethin’ crawled up in the walls and died. Maybe it’s flies. Maybe we’re bein’ over run with the little buggers. Ya’ think?

 

Dezi lays on the chair arm while looking down, selfie

 

 

 

          Raena, flies don’t stink up a house when they die. Where’d you ever get that idea? When peeps say those kinds of things, they’re usually talkin’ ‘bout mousies or some other kind’a vermin. 

 

Raena sits pretty in the chair

 

 

 

Mousies? You mean there are really in truly live mousies? Have you ever seen a live mousy, sissy?

 

          You mean outside of the pet store Raena? Hmmmmm  Well, me thinks me ‘members seein’ one at BlogPaws the year we went. Yeah, there was a blogger there that was carryin’ ‘round the biggest mousy me’s ever seen. Mommy says it was really a rat, but rats schmats, aren’t they the same thing? Least they’re in the same furmily, Dinner rodents. MOL 

 

Raena hunches on the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

Really sissy? Have you ever had mousy or rat? Does it taste anythin’ like rabbit or chicken? 

 

Dezi looks up at the cat tree while laying on the arm of the chair

 

 

 

          Nah Raena, me’s never had mouse or rat. Mommy’s scared of ‘em. She says they have huge sharp teethies and bite. She says they carry disease and parasites, so the only mousies we’re ever gonna get are the furry nip filled kind. 

 

Cat catches mouse animated emoji

 

 

 

Sharp teethies and disease, huh? Well sissy, I’s think I’s fine with only gettin’ the furry nip filled mousies. I’s don’t want anythin’ that might send me back to the V-E-T’s office. No way.

 

          Me either Raena. You know, several of our furiends hunt mice all the time, and me doesn’t mean the furry nip filled kind.

 

Raena sits stop the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

Well sissy, I’s guess ifin they enjoy it, then it’s okay. You know, different strokes fur different kitty folks. Ya’ know, I’s can’t ‘magine any kitty choosin’ mousies over nip. Kittens, I’s luvs nip. Nip toys, nip mats, nip plants, nip any and every way. I’s just luvs the stuffs.

 

Dezi plays with the nip nanner

 

 

 

          Me too Raena, me too. Me’s favorite bein’ the Yeowww nip nanner. Ya’ know, me’s been thinkin’ those Yeowww peeps should be payin’ us as much as we purrmote their silly purroducts. 

 

I’s agree sissy. Ifin they actually paid us, we could buy more nip nanners. Wouldn’t that be fun? Can you ‘magine nip nanners in every room? 

 

Dezi lays on the arm of the chair, Selfie

 

 

 

          That would be fun Raena, but me doesn’t think that’s gonna happen anytime soon.

 

Raena lays on the liverty cat tree

 

 

 

Well sissy, with all this meowin’ ‘bout nip, I’s think I’s hear some nip callin’ mine’s name. Wanna play? 

 

 

          Yeah, sure Raena, me’s right behind ya’. (Dezi lays down on the cat scratcher and mumbles) Me’s just gonna have a little nap furst. 

 

(Raena runs off to find a toy and looks back at Dezi laying on the scratcher) Sissy?! Let’s play!!! 

 

Dezi poses with the cat amazing puzzle toy

 

 

 

Don’t furget to paw on over to our Blest Sunday posty to enter our give away and nominate your favorite U.S. shelter or rescue to receive their very own Cat Amazing Shelter Kit.

 

Till the next time………………………………………Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Raena stands on cat scratcher looking shocked

Chatting Cats: The Mighty Huntress Scourge Of Insects

Published on by Service Cats U.S.29 Comments

Hey everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle. (Raena sees something out of the corner of her eye) MeOW  Sissy!!! Did you see that?!!! What was that? Where’d it go? (Raena runs and jumps on the scratcher in front of the t.v. where a fly zooms past her) Where’d you go little fly? Come back here! I’s RaenaBelle, Queen of mine’s domain and the mighty huntress. I’s put fear in all those who cross mine’s path. I’s the scourge of the insect world. 

 

Dezi lays on the arm of the chair

 

 

 

          Scourge…Hmmpht  You got that right. MOL  Raena, you better be careful or you’re gonna hurt yourself. What would it look like ifin the mighty huntress, queen of her domain was done in by a little fly? 

 

Raena stands on cat scratcher looking shocked

 

 

 

(Raena jumps off the scratcher and back on again and again pawing at the fly. She runs to the door perch, the kitchen and back to the scratcher chasing the fly.) Come here fly, I’s gonna get ya’. Once I’s got your scent I’s don’t stop fur nuffin’. You’s might as well give up now. (Looking over at Dezi, Raena meows) I’s not gonna get hurt sissy. I’s the greatest huntress ever. I’s learned everythin’ I’s know ‘bout huntin’ from mine’s lion furiends in the tv box when I’s was just a baby kitten. ‘Member sissy? I’s helped them hunt a buffalo, and a zebra, and even a giraffe.

 

Raena stares at fly while sitting on the cat scratcher

Come ‘ere fly, just a little closer…

 

 

 

          Yeah, yeah, yeah, Raena. Me ‘members you sittin’ in front of the tv blockin’ everypawdy’s view. The lions did all the huntin’ and the killin’.,,And all the eatin’ too ifin me recalls. MOL  You just chattered on pawin’ at the tv. (The fly zooms past Raena who jumps down and follows it up the liberty cat tree where she loses it for a minute. The she sees it twirling around the ceiling fan and she leans forward looking as tho’ she’s going to leap onto the fan blades) RaenaBelle!!! Don’t you dare jump on the ceiling fan from there. You’ll fall and hurt yourself and mommy’ll have a literal heart attack. Ifin you got all cut up and broken mommy would never furgive you. Besides she hasn’t ordered any of that fauna-care first aid spray. 

 

Raena sits on cat tree staring up at a fly

 

 

 

I’s not gonna get hurt sissy. I’s indestructable, like that superman. Yeah, I’s RaenaBelle the SuperCat. I’s need a cape to go with mine’s crown. I’s never gonna stop till I’s ketch that fly. And, I’s not gonna get hurt. Mommy’ll make sure that never happens. You know she’s always sayin’ how she’d never let anyone or anythin’ hurt us no matter what. So see? I’s purrfectly safe. 

 

          But Raena, mommy can’t do anythin’ to save ya’ ifin you do somethin’ stupid. 

 

Raena sits on the liberty cat tree staring up at a fly

 

 

 

That’s not nice sissy. You’s better take it back or I’s gonna tell mommy that you called me stupid. 

 

          Me didn’t call you stupid Raena, but it’s beginnin’ to sound like you might be. 

 

Now, where’d that fly go? Come here mine’s purretty, I’s gonna get..Oooooh dinner. Well fly, it’s been fun playin’, but I’s gotta go eat dinner.

 

          Hmmmpht The great huntress that doesn’t stop fur nuffin’ huh? Hey, wait fur me, me’s hungry too.

 

Stay in your own plate sissy. Ya’ know, I’s sure glad I’s don‘t have to hunt fur mine’s own food. That’s a lot of work. Fanky fankfully we’ve got a mommy that fixes our meals fur us. There are so many kitties out there that don’t have a mommy like we do. I’s so wish they all had their own furever homes full of luvs. 

 

Dezi lays on the arm of the chair, selfie

 

 

 

          Yeah Raena, me too. Ya’ know, June is Adopt a Shelter Kitty month. Me sure hopes lots of kitties find their furevers. In the meantime, me can’t wait to see which shelter our furiends choose to receive their Cat Amazing Shelter kit. Don’t furget to visit our Blest Sunday posty to nominate your favorite U.S. shelter or rescue and enter to win a Cat Amazing fur yourself.

 

Let’s go eat sissy. 

 

Till the next time…………………………………….Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Dezi in a wood plank frame with tools for Father's day

Blest Sunday: Cat Amazing Cat Daddies

Published on by Service Cats U.S.41 Comments

Dezi:  MeOW  C’mon Raena, it’s Blest Sunday. And, it’s Father’s day, we’ve gotta celebrate. 

 

Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

 

 

          Raena:  Father’s day? Is this another special day fur mommy? Are we s’posed to be doin’ somethin’ nice fur her? Cuz ya’ know ifin we are, you already spoiled it when she had to get up befur she even got to have one sip of her meownin’ coffee. 

 

Dezi in a wood plank frame with tools for Father's day

 

 

 

Yeah, well, we hadn’t started celebratin’ yet Raena. Anyways, we do celebrate mommy today but that’s only cuz we don’t actually have one of those daddy’s. 

 

          So, this is a holiday fur men. What ‘bout all our uncles, sissy? Are we celebratin’ them too? 

 

Yep Raena, we are. Like with mother’s, bein’ a father is somethin’ to be celebrated whether your kids have 2 legs and skin or 4 legs and fur. Traditionally, the father did the suppurrtin’ of the family and were offen the heavy hand when it came to discipline. But times, they are a changin’, and there are more and more single family households where the mother or father have to be both. So to all the Fathers, Uncles and other men, Happy Father’s day. And to all those fillin’ the shoes of a Father, Thank you fur steppin’ up.

 

Raena paws at the Cat Amazing Cat puzzle toy

 

 

 

          Hey sissy, since we’re celebratin’ men today, why don’t we celebrate the cat man who came up with the Cat Amazing Puzzle Toy? Ya’ know, it ain’t just women who luvs us kitties. The world is full of feline luvvin’ men. We should know, we’ve got some really amazin’ uncles.

 

Dezi poses with the cat amazing puzzle toy

 

 

 

That’s true Raena, and me thinks today’s a great day to meow ‘bout the Cat Amazing Puzzle Toy. Andrey is the cat guy behind this great puzzle toy. But, he does more that just make a great eco-furiendly puzzle box, he also gives back to shelters and rescues with his Shelter and Rescue Enrichment Progam. Shelters can apply to receive their very own Cat Amazing Puzzle Toys complete with educational play guides and discounts fur new cat adoptive pawrents. You know how much we luv it when a company gives back and tries to help those kitties in need. 

 

Raena plays with the Cat Amazing Puzzle Toy

 

 

 

          We sure do sissy. That’s why we had to meow to everypawdy ‘bout this. Stay tuned, cuz we’ve got a couple of great surpurrises fur everypawdy at the end of this posty. Furst, I’s wanna meow ‘bout the Cat Amazing Puzzle Box. It arrived in a really cute flat package. That meant there would be some assembly required. 

 

Cat Amazing Cat Puzzle Toy

 

 

 

Yep Raena, and that’s not always a good thing. We don’t have any thumbs and sometimes all mommy has is thumbs. MOL  Anyways, she furinally got the Puzzle put together and looked fur just the right toy to hide in it. 

 

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          Yeah sissy, the instructions say you can hide treats or toys in it to make us kitties wanna play with it. We don’t get a lot of treats, so makin’ us hunt fur them isn’t somethin’ we’re all that innerested in. But, we do luvs toys with balls, ‘specially those lighted flashin’ balls. Just so happens, we had an extra one layin’ ‘round that mommy could put in there. 

 

Yep Raena, the Cat Amazing has 3 difficulty levels, dependin’ on your kitty’s purr-efurence. All kitties are smart, so none of the levels are too hard fur us. We purrsonally think this toy is great fur kittens and those extra curious kitties. Me purrfurs a roll with a good nip toy, but Raena…OMC  she just doesn’t stop. 

 

Raena with Cat Amazing Cat Puzzle Toy,

 

 

 

          I’s not sure ifin you’re bein’ naughty or nice sissy? However, I’s do enjoy boppin’ the flashy ball ‘round inside the Cat Amazng puzzle box.  So, we were really happy when Andrey said he’d let us give away a couple Puzzle boxes to our American furiends and even send one of those cool Shelter Enrichment kits to the shelter/rescue of our choice.

 

Dezi sniffs the cat amazing puzzle toy

 

 

 

Sure ‘nuff Raena. And, we’ve decided to let all of our furiends choose the Shelter/rescue who will receive this pawsum kit. So, we’re askin’ all of you to nominate the shelter/rescue you’d like to see receive the kit. We’ll take nominations thru Caturday 6/23/2018. Purrlease only nominate shelters/rescues in the U.S.A. and that you can purrvide shippin’ infurmation fur. Then we’ll put those names in a random drawing and pick the winnin’ shelter. 

 

          Oh sissy, I’s so x’cited. I’s can’t hardly wait to see who’s shelter’s gonna win. But hey, the fun doesn’t stop there. ‘Member, Andrey’s lettin’ us give away 2 of these great puzzles to our furiends with a U.S. shippin’ address. You must leave a comment on this post to qualify fur the give away. And, you can earn extra entries thru the rafflecopter. Just click Enter Here foto below.

 

 

Give away entry graphic

Yep Raena, what a blessin’. As always, we’d like to remind you all to take a minute today and every day to give Thanks fur the blessings in your lives. 

 

Raena on wood plank frame with tools for Father's day

 

 

 

          We’re also linkin’ up with the Kitties Blue fur a special Father’s day Sunday Selfies. Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there. 

 

C’mon Raena, let’s give mommy some extra massages today.

 

Till the next time………………………………………………….Be Blest!!! 

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle