Hey everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle. I’s gotta tell ya’, I’s don’t like it when mommy’s stressed out. Do you know she passed out last night while we were in the middle of typin’ a comment to one of our furiends? Ifin that wasn’t bad enuff, no sooner did she come too, then she fell asleep right there in the sittin’ chair. Yep, mouth open, droolin’, snorin’ and all. She’s s’posed to come to the bed so we can give her a massage and snuggle up next to her. There’s not much room fur snugglin’ in the sittin’ chair. I’s don’t like it, I’s tell ya’, I’s just don’t.
Raena, me’s not sure mommy was actually droolin’, me’s purretty sure that was me.
Really sissy? Why would you be droolin’? It makes everythin’ all slobbery and wet. The sittin’ chair’s already got limited space and now you go and slobber all over it. Anyways…I’s just want things to get back to normal ‘round here. I’s need mine’s cuddle time with mommy, it’s a non-negotiable. She purromissed when she saved me that we’d always cuddle and I’s don’t want that to change.
Non-Negotiable Raena? Where’d you come up with that one?
From the teevee sissy. The show we watched the other day was askin’ peeps what non-negotiables they had fur their pawrtners. Mommy said that it meant what things they had to have or wouldn’t put up with. So, cuddlin’ is mine’s non-negotiable.
Well Raena, it also means that ifin you don’t get your non-negotiable, you won’t be stayin’ in that relationship. Are you ready to pack up and move out?
Leave mommy? ‘Course not!!! I’s would never leave mommy, and she purromissed she’d never leave me.
Well then, it’s not really a non-negotiable Raena. Maybe befur you go throwin’ ‘round human phrases, you need to know ‘zactly what they mean. Better yet, maybe you should quit watchin’ so much teevee. You’re startin’ to sound like those latch key kids that spend all their time in front of the boob tube or playin’ catputer games ‘stead of enjoyin’ life and the company of others. Ya’ know, we’ve got great nature teevee right out the front door you could watch.
That’s just a bunch of re-runs sissy. The same ole peeps doin’ the same ole things every day. It’s done gone and got too hot fur the birdies to do much other than hang out on the tree branches in the shade. I’s not seen one bunny in like, furever. No ducks or geese, Y, even the woofies are stayin’ inside, so what’s so great ‘bout nature teevee these days?
Well Raena, all me knows is that all that nonsense on human teevee isn’t good fur us kitties. Anyways, our furiend CK purrposed some innerview questions fur us the other day, so why don’t we take a minute and answer ‘em?
Okay sissy, that sounds like fun.
1.When did something start out badly for you, but in the end it was great?
Well, me thinks me can answer fur both of us on this one, Raena. Neither of us had a very good start in life. But since we met mommy, it couldn’t get any better.
2. What weird food combinations do you enjoy?
I’s can meow fur both of us on this one sissy. We don’t really eat combo foods. We like rabbit bestest.
3. What food have you never eaten but would like to try?
Me’s got this one Raena. Filet Mignon. Sis Lexi used to meow ‘bout it all the time. She said mommy brought some home once when she had a date and it just melted in her mouth.
A date, sissy? Our mommy went on a date?
Another time Raena. Let’s get back to the questions.
4. What food is delicious, but a pain to eat?
Mine’s turn sissy. I’s gotta say those bonito flakes take some getting’ used too.
5. What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever broken?
Me will answer, Raena. After all, you’re the one who broke our furst stroller.
I’s purrfection purrsonified. MOL
6. What would a world populated by clones of you be like?
Hmmmpht Mommy said your big hiney had already broken it sissy. Anyways, a world full of clones of me? I’s an original and there could never be a copy equal to mine’s purrfection.
7. What smartfone feature would you be excited for a company to implement?
Who’s the laff a minute now Raena? Since we can’t actually use a smartfone we’d like to see a way fur kitties to actually get into ‘em. We could take compurrmisin’ fotos of mommy then. Me bets we’d get lots of treats in exchange fur not postin’ ’em. MOL
8. What’s something people don’t worry about but should?
I’s don’t care anythin’ ‘bout the smartfone sissy. As fur what humans should worry ‘bout, who knows? I’s just a kitty and mommy says kitties shouldn’t worry ‘bout human stuffs.
9. What was cool when you were young, but isn’t cool now?
Y, everythin’ ‘bout me will always be cool. Raena on the other paw…
10. If magic was real, what spell would you cast first?
We don’t purrticipate in spells and such. Bein’ Christians, we don’t believe in deception.
11. What’s the most comfortable bed or chair you’ve ever been in?
Me can answer this one fur both of us too, Raena. That’s so easy, mommy’s lap. Mommy’s lap is the most coveted seat in the house.
It sure is sissy. I’s think I’s gonna head there now. Fanky fanks fur the questions CK, we always luv learnin’ more ‘bout our furiends. Ifin you wanna purrticipate, just link back to CK’s bloggy. These kinds of things are always so much fun when lots of bloggers get in on the action.
Till the next time……………………………………………………….Be Blest!!!
Hey everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle. Can I’s just tell you, it’s really smokin’ hot here. Seriously, it’s been in the triple digits as mommy calls it. Y, It’s gonna be at least 110° F today. Mommy says that’s so hot you could fry an egg on the hood of a car in the shade…ifin ya’ had an egg and a shade that is.
Raena, are you meowin’ stories again? Me doesn’t ‘member hearin’ mommy say anythin’ like that.
Well sissy, maybe that’s cuz you were UTB (under the bed) hidin’ out from the lawn crew.
How many times does me have to tell ya’, me’s not hidin’ out. Me’s pawtrolin’ fur intruders. Anyways, enuff ‘bout all that, it’s hot every where right now. Haven’t you seen our furiends complainin’ ‘bout unseasonably hot temps where they live?
Yep sissy, I’s have seen that. Still, I’s wanted to meowmble. Mommy says that no matter what the weather is, we’re gonna complain, so I’s just gettin’ mine’s complainin’ in fur today since we’re still in a state of limbo as far as everythin’ else is concerned. Ya’ know, we’re s’posed to meow ‘bout litter and the pawtty box today. I’s don’t know why, since you seem to be usin’ the piddle pads more and more lately. What’s wrong with you? Are you sick, or mad, or are you just tryin’ to create more work fur mommy? Huh, what’s up with ya’?
Never you mind Raena. Let’s do meow ‘bout litter and pawtty boxes. Everypawdy knows, mommy purrfurs natural litters fur us and we, bein’ cats, purrfur the unscented variety. And, most everypawdy knows, we were Blest with a Litter Robot last Christmas which you think is the greatest thing since sliced rabbit with gravy. ‘Course, mommy knowin’ the rules and all kept our great corner box up and runnin’ too. Ya’ know, just in case there was a line to the pawtty box one meownin’. The thing mommy luvved ‘bout the Litter Robot was that we could still use our favorite natural litter, SwheatScoop.
Yep sissy, I’s too young to ‘member such things, but mommy says she ‘members when SwheatScoop furst came out and she had to order directly from the company. Back then it came in generic brown boxes and the shippin’ costed more than the litter itself. There were only 2 sizes, big and bigger. Anyways, lots of time has passed since then and SwheatScoop now comes in their very own bags and several different sizes, 10lb, 25lb and 36lb; we received the 10lb bag. They even have a couple of different furmulas, Fast Clumping and Multi-Cat. They range in price from $9.69 to $24.99. Let’s see what Chewy has to say:
Description
Fill your litter box with sWheat Scoop Premium+ Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter, an all-around better litter. It uses the power of natural plant extracts to eliminate odors instead of harmful chemicals, which is better for you, your pet and the environment. The secret is exclusive Noble Ion Technology that infuses wheat enzymes with noble ions to neutralize litter box odors. It’s extremely effective odor control. This high-performing litter has no added dyes, perfumes or dust and is 100% biodegradable. Clumps are fast-forming, firm and compact for easy scooping. sWheat Scoop Premium+ works well for single- or multiple-cat homes.
Key Benefits
Three times more powerful odor control for a breakthrough in odor elimination.
Three times faster and firmer clumping for easy scooping and a mess-free home.
Noble Ion Technology infuses wheat ions with noble ions to naturally break down odors.
Recommended by veterinarians with no added dyes or perfumes. Great for single and multi-cat homes.
Eco-friendly, all-natural litter is made from wheat and is 100% biodegradable.
We purrsonally don’t think there’s much of a difference t’ween the furmulas ifin any, so we always buy whichever furmula’s on sale or the cheapest at the time. Some of mommy’s favorite features of sWheatScoop is that it clumps well, only smells when heated by a fresh urine depawsit and is flushable. That heated smell we’re meowin’ ‘bout is like a loaf of bread and goes away quickly. So long as kitty covers their business, it controls odors very well. Me will tell ya’, it’s not a lightweight litter. The bigger bags are heavy, so bein’ able to have it delivered right to our door is a big plus. Now, ifin we could only get the Fedex man to scoop. MOL
the white stuffs just a little baby powder mommy shook in there to aid in odor
control. She scooped the smelly right when it happened, so the smell lingered a minute.
You’re a laff a minute today sissy. I’s like the sWheatScoop litter. Since It’s all natural, it’s much safer fur me to clean off ifin it gets stuck to mine’s bloomers. Bein’ wheat, an actual food product, anythin’ that makes it into mine’s tummy by accident, just comes out the other end. ‘Course, ifin you’re ‘lergic to wheat, it might be a purroblem…just meowin’. I’s not, so I’s give the sWheatScoop 4 paws up. What ‘bout you sissy?
Me fur sure likes it better than any of that clay stuffs Raena. Me gives it 4 paws up too. And, cuz we buy the big bags, we always get a great size Chewy box to play in. Me knows mommy gives 2 thumbs up or she wouldn’t keep orderin’ it after all these years. Meowin’ of orderin’, Chewy’s a great place to shop fur all your pet’s needs. They offur speedy furee shippin’ on all orders $49.00 and up and a low flat rate speedy shippin’ on all orders below. They have a great auto ship program that lets you save an additional 5% and makes sure you never run out of your pet’s faves. But don’t worry, you can always skip, cancel or delay any auto ship up to 24 hours befur shipment.
Nice little clump, easy for scooping
Disclaimer: We received a bag of sWheatScoop in exchange for our honest opinion. As always, we tell it like we see it and only bring products we use or have tried and believe would be of interest to you, our readers and friends.
That’s right sissy, and they have the bestest Customer Service peeps ‘round. They also have great boxes and packin’ paper…just meowin’. Ya’ know, that means a new toy every month. MOL Guess we better get off here and see ifin we can help mommy. She’s still purretty stressed, so we’re tryin’ to take really good care of her.
Dezi: MeOW C’mon Raena, it’s time fur Blest Sunday. You can finish eatin’ brekky in a minute.
Raena: You meow that sissy, but the minute I’s walk away, you’ll be movin’ in on mine’s plate and tryin’ to chow it down. Besides with the mess we’ve got goin’ on ‘round here, I’s wasn’t sure we had any Blessings to count this week.
RaenaBelle!!! Bite your tongue!!! Besides, me never steals your food…(Dezi mumbles slyly.) Least not while mommy’s lookin’.
No, sissy!!! That would hurt. And, you do it all the time. Mommy’s always tellin’ you to get outta mine’s plate.
(Dezi shakes her head) Purrlease Raena, it’s just a figger of speech. We have purrlenty of Blessings to count, no matter what’s goin’ on ‘round here. We have the bestest most pawsumest furiends in the universe. And, we have a mommy that luvs us more than anythin’ else in the afur mentioned universe. We’ve found our furevers Raena. No matter what, mommy will never ever leave us or throw us away. Mommy says that altho’ it’s been a while, this wouldn’t be the furst time she’s had to live in her car and Shad never left her side or went hungry. Ifin you’d like to read that story you can do so here. Besides, mommy says we’re not out on the streets just yet.
I’s luvs mine’s toys too.
You’re right sissy. I’s luvs our furiends. And I’s luvs mommy soooooo much. I’s never doubted that she’d be there fur us no matter what. And, her new dentists’ ‘pointments are movin’ along nicely. This week she’ll be tryin’ out a wax form with teethies in it. And, the doctor’s been the one doin’ the work. There’s always an assistant in the room, but Dr. Collier’s seen mommy and made all the impurrsions and adjustments at each ‘pointment. Y, She’s so x’perienced at dentures, one of the other doctors even came and asked her advice last week. It made mommy feel really good and like she’s furinally in good hands.
Yep Raena, me’s so happy ‘bout that. Mommy said Dr. Collier’s really nice and she even believes in rescue. She has two rescued woofies and the rest of her furmily has woofies and kitties that they’ve rescued too. We think it was her sisfur that adopted a stray kitty what came to her house lookin’ fur food and shelter. We always get x’cited when we hear stories ‘bout some kitty or woofy findin’ their purrfect furever.
So true sissy, so true. Ya’ know, we might not always get along like peas in a pod, but I’s wouldn’t want any other sisfur or mommy. I’s thinkin’ mine’s life is purretty close to purrfect. So, that means you’re right ‘bout the Blessings too. I’s got purrlenty to give fanky fanks fur. I’s got so much luvs that sometimes mine’s heart feels like it could explode. And, I’s got a full belleh with some of the tastiest noms on the planet.
Hmmmmm Really Raena? So does that mean you’re thru with your brekky?
Since Raena’s belly’s so full, she won’t mind ifin me just
finishes off this little bit she left.
Nope sissy, that doesn’t mean you can eat outta mine’s plate. I’s might wanna go back fur another bite in a minute. You know I’s have to check out what’s goin’ on outside. Ifin I’s just stayed with mine’s head down in mine’s plate, I’s might miss somethin’. Y, I’s saw all kinds of things this meownin’. I’s saw a few birdies, a gnat, a moth…(While Raena rambles on, Dezi sneaks over to her breakfast plate and eats a few bites. Raena looks back from the perch at the door to see Dezi eating the last few bites of her breakfast…) Sissy!!! Get outta mine’s plate or I’s gonna tell mommy.
What? You meowed your belly was full?. Anyways, let’s wrap this up and give mommy some extra luvvin’. Me knows she could sure use some.
Nope, this ain’t our selfie, that’s above. MOL
Great idea sissy. Befur we go we gotta link up with the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies.
Fanks Raena. We’d also like to remind everypawdy to take a minute today and every day to give Thanks fur the Blessings in your life. No matter what may be happenin’ around you, each day you wake up and take a breath, is a Blessing. Fank you all fur bein’ a pawrt of our lives.
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.
MeOW Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. Every week we try to answer questions asked by all of you ‘bout Training, Health, Behavior or anything else you’re wonderin’ ‘bout the little ball of fluff residing in your homes. We also take on topics you’ve suggested and try to help humans better unnerstand the Feline and sometimes the woofies too. That’s right, a lot of the Tips we give can be used fur pets of all species. Ifin you have a question or blog topic you’d like to see, purrlease leave a comment in the comments section below or send us an email via our Contact page in our menu. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series or just want to refresh your memory, you ketch up by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu above.
For the last 3 weeks we’ve focused on Kitten/Cat Proofing your home; and, we’ll be wrapping that up today with a few last Tips and Suggestions. If you’ve missed Pt. 1, 2, or 3 click on the corresponding numbers to read them now. We truly hope we’ve helped make bringing a new kitty or puppy into your home easier and less stressful. We would first like to add something brought to our attention by one of our very smart readers. Just when you thought you’d covered all possible dangers, someone mentions something you totally forgot about.
Last week we covered the Sewing and Craft room but totally forgot about the Iron. Yep, some people do still iron. Mommy uses a steamer more than an iron, so it just slipped our minds. However, a hot iron is a serious danger to pets and humans alike. And the dangly cord hanging over the edge of the ironing board is a great temptation for kitty/puppy. Never leave an iron unattended or plugged in when not in use. As me said, mommy prefers using a steamer not only on her clothes but also for cleaning. For water to turn into steam, the temperature reaches scalding hot. Never, blast kitty/woofy with steam, it will burn them.
Outside: The Predator Becomes the Prey:
As most of you know, we believe kitties belong inside and not out roaming around without their human. The dangers lurking outside are overwhelmingly huge. Kitties in particular are not only predators but also prey, especially small kittens and cats. Owls, Hawks, Eagles, Coyotes, Wolves, Bobcats, Cougars, Alligators, Crocodiles and many other wild animals can, will and do hunt our small furry friends.
Rabies, carried by a number of wild animals can be transmitted through bites during a fight or saliva from an infected animal entering an open wound of a healthy animal/human. Feral Cat Colonies are at high risk of harboring and spreading Rabies as well as other fatal and non fatal feline diseases. Cars are another danger outside cats face. Over *6 million cats and dogs were killed by cars in the U.S. alone last year. (* – browser search). Cats are at a higher risk than dogs. In the winter time, car engines often provide a tempting place for cats/kittens to get warm. Please, Always knock on the hood of your car before starting it up, especially in the colder months.
Poisons:
Outside cats are at risk of being poisoned, either by accident or on purpose. Many people think cats are a nuisance and put out poisons. Cats may also be poisoned by eating mice or other small animals that have been poisoned themselves. We personally lost a friend a few years ago who ate one such mouse. While poisoning from antifreeze is more common in dogs, it’s still a risk for cats. Please clean up any anti freeze you see standing around your car and store any containers in an area away from kitties/woofies.
Many plants and flowers are toxic to kitties; as are most of the sprays used to keep bugs off garden plants. If you allow kitty outside in your garden, try to use non-toxic bug sprays and plant only safe foliage. Perhaps you could even plant kitty their own little garden area with some ornamental grasses and cat nip/mint. When offered the choice between your poisonous plants and nip or grass, kitty will almost always choose the latter.
Garage/Shed:
The Garage or Shed is another room that harbors dangers and even death for kitty/woofy. If you use your garage for your car, be sure to keep any oil, antifreeze, or other liquids that may leak, cleaned up. Also, store any containers of these items out of kitty’s reach. A locker or other enclosed shelf is a great place for storing dangerous items and tools. Put tools, especially those with sharp edges, away as well as any small nails, screws, zip ties, and other tempting play objects. Use plastic storage containers with lids instead of boxes. Not only are boxes tempting to kitty, but they’re also a fire hazard. Store bikes, skateboards, surf boards and other large equipment on racks or shelving.
Cat Toys and Furniture:
Now, let’s talk a bit about toys designed for our play. One would think that a toy or furniture item designed specifically for us would be perfectly safe, right? If only that were true. Most everybody knows we kitties love things that dangle from a string/cord. We love the string maybe more than the toy at the end. MOL However, most of those dangly toys are terribly dangerous. Me almost hung me’s self when me was just about 5 weeks old. Yep, that great little perch mommy sits in front of the door for us had a “mouse on a string” hanging down from the top ledge. Me would swat at it and pull at it and pull it up with me’s mouth. One day, me turned and turned and turned with it in me’s mouth till the elastic string had gotten wrapped around me’s tiny neck and pulled me off the perch. There me was dangling by the neck. Mommy was horrified and terrified and…obviously, she came to me’s rescue or me wouldn’t be here to tell you about it today. But, she did learn a lesson, Never leave dangly things, attached by string or elastic, to our toys or furniture.
Yep, mommy’ll be removin’ that dangly befur lettin’ us play
with this unattended.
Hanging isn’t the only danger. If swallowed, strings can wreak havoc in our intestines. Because of the barbs on a cat’s tongue, we can’t actually push things out of our mouths very well. The more we struggle to spit out the string, the further in our mouths it goes. That brings me to the next set of toys that pose a danger to us. A lot of those cute little mice furries have tiny beads for eyes. The plastic ones often have a plastic push bead for a nose. While they might make the mousey look more like a mousey, they’re terribly dangerous and are often removed within the first few minutes of play. Y, Some of us kitties go so far as to remove the fur altogether and begin to eat the plastic mousey. Me’s never really seen a real mousey, so how’s me supposed to know the difference in taste of a real mouse or a plastic one? Apparently tho’, the plastic mousey is far more dangerous than the real thing. Chewed up plastic has sharp edges that can tear or cut our intestines.
Do mouseys have eyes?
We highly recommend removing all dangle toys from cat furniture by cutting the string or elastic closest to the area of attachment. We recommend removing all glued on pieces like eyes, noses, tails, etc. from kitty/doggy toys. Some woofies are really hard on their toys. We recommend throwing out any plastic toys that appear chewed, before kitty/woofy can eat/swallow them. If a stuffed toy is ripped, throw out any stuffing before it can be consumed. Mommy says when giving kitty/doggy a new toy, it’s a good idea to watch how it’s played with before allowing unattended play. Wand toys are a favorite of most kitties. We love it when our human plays with us. However, when you can’t be around, put the wands away or out of our reach. Anything listed as “interactive” means it requires supervision to be safe.
Thankfully these eyes were painted on, so mousey got to keep his eyes.
He lost his ribbon right after this foto shoot tho’. Sometimes, mommy’s no fun at all.
Wrap Up:
We know we’ve presented a lot of information over the last few weeks, but believe it or not, we only hit the highlights. Our last thought about kitties and the outdoors is that kitty should never be outside alone. We highly recommend harness and leash training. Just remember when introducing a new kitty/woofy into your home for the first time, don’t assume because your last kitty/woofy knew better the new one will. If this is your first kitty or woofy, thank you for saving a life, now take the precautions to kitten/cat proof your home so that you can both enjoy a long and happy life together. Take a look around your house, yard, garage and general living area, if you think it might be dangerous, remove it or take steps to make it safe. Lastly, Train your new kitty/woofy with some basic manners and you’ll both be happier for it. You can read Training Tips for appropriate Scratching and other behavioral challenges by clicking the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. And don’t forget to leave your questions in the comments section below or send us an email at: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com or via our Contact page.
Wand toys are me’s favorites.
We’re joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday. What would you like to read about next here on Service Cat Furiday? Does your kitty do somethin’ or have a weird habit that you wonder ‘bout? We wanna hear from you, purrlease leave us a comment and we’ll see you next week fur another foray into the magical world of Feline Behavior.
Service Cats U.S. 