Tag: Animals

Raena poses with the ThundrEase Calming products

Tell All Tuesday #ThunderShirt

Published on by Service Cats U.S.22 Comments

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. Can you believe it’s stormin’…Again!. Let me tell ya’, outside showers aren’t the only ones we’ve had ‘round here. Kittens, You should’a seen it. I’s mean, it’s hard to believe ifin ya’ don’t actually witness it. But trust me, ya’ll oughtta be glad mommy wasn’t reachin’ fur the camera. (Raena shudders) Ugh It was sooooo gross. 

 

Dezi lays atop the cat tree selfie

 

 

 

          RaenaBelle, you’re ramblin’ on over there but nopawdy has a clue what you’re meowin’ ‘bout. 

 

Raena looks back from her dinner plate

 

 

 

Welllllll, You ought to sissy, that’s fur sure. I’s meowin’ ‘bout your purrjectile when mommy was tryin’ to talk to her counselor. What a disgustin’ mess. There we sat, mommy visitin’ with her counselor, me layin’ at mommy’s feet to purrtect her just in case and you layin’ on the liberty cat tree. We thought you were nappin’ when out of nowhere you hurled purrjectile hairballs from one side of the room to the other. (Raena shudders again and makes a wincing face) Ya’ know, ifin you’re gonna do somethin’ like that, you’re s’posed to warn us furst. Usually there’s the heavin’ and gulpin’ long befur the final blap. But nooooooo, you just hurled everywhere. Half digested brekky and furballs went everywhere, in mommy’s purrse, all over the tree, the catputer, our tunnel and toys, mommy and even me!!! 

 

Dezi wipes eyes while laying on the scratcher

 

 

 

          Me couldn’t help it Raena, it had to come out. Mommy’s counselor didn’t mind. All she said was, “Is that a hairball?” You know, she doesn’t have any kitties. But, she’s used to seein’ kitties do things durin’ her visits. ‘Member when she told mommy ‘bout that patient of hers that had a kitty who peed on his humans counter durin’ her visit? Least me didn’t do anythin’ like that. (Dezi licks her paw and rubs it across her face) 

 

That’s not the point sissy. (Raena shakes her head) Anyways, Meowin’ of feline behaviors, we need to meow ‘bout some behavior modifyin’ purroducts we received a couple of weeks ago from ThunderWorks. They’re the peeps that made the original ThunderShirt. They recently released some new purroducts, a pheremone plug in and pheremone spray, fur kitties and woofies. We received the Calming Spray and Calming Diffuser Kit fur kitties and also one fur woofies. Mommy was anxious to give ‘em a try cuz you decided to stop usin’ the pawtty box when mommy put that clay stuff in our pawtty boxes. And cuz it’s stormin’ season and mommy hates it when you hide out UTB all the time. 

 

          Me’s not hidin’ Raena!!! As fur the pawtty box, well that’s not your concern. That’s t’ween mommy and me. Anyways, me was curious ifin these Calmin’ purroducts would work any better than the others we’ve tried. Mommy immediately plugged in the diffuser and sprayed some of that Calmin’ Spray all over the cat tree, the bathroom and even down the hall. 

 

Raena poses with the ThundrEase Calming products

Is there somethin’ you need to tell us mommy? Are we gettin’ a woofie?

 

 

 

Yep sissy, we had a little flehmen contest goin’ on. Who could take in the biggest sniff. I’s don’t really need any behavior modification cuz I’s purrfect… 

 

          Oh Raena, you just lied…big time.

 

I’s did not, sissy. Mommy says I’s purrfect just the way I’s is. 

 

Dezi lays on scratcher with mouth open

 

 

 

          Just cuz mommy says you’re purrfect doesn’t mean everythin’ you do is right Raena. You layin’ on the pawtty box and whappin’ me’s tail might have a little somethin’ to do with me’s pawtty box habits too ya’ know. Anyways, mommy had hoped that the Thunder Ease purroducts would help us. The Diffuser contains 2% of feline facial pheremones and the Spray contains 10%. Facial pheremones are the feel good ones, so they’re s’posed to make us less stressed and more docile. Let’s see what @ThunderShirtCompany says ‘bout their Calming purroducts:  

 

Great for:

  • Urine spraying

  • Scratching

  • Travel anxiety such as vomiting, urinating, defecating, meowing, agitation, and salivation

  • Stress when visiting the vet

  • Anxiety when boarding

  • Uneasiness in a new home or environment

  • Stress caused by changes in the environment like new furniture or remodeling

  • New pets in the home

  • Recurrent Feline idiopathic cystitis

 

It all sounds great doesn’t it sissy? Ifin only it had actually worked. Mommy had high hopes, but alas, other than the initial sniffs we gave immediately following her spraying an area, nuffin’ else changed. While we’ve not had any luck with these kinds of purroducts, we know lots of kitties who do. Right now, you can get the Diffuser Kit fur $29.95 (reg. $44.95) or the Calming Spray fur $24.95 (reg. $29.95).

 

 

We received the ThunderEase Calming Diffuser Kit and Spray for free. As always, we tell it like we see it and only bring products we use or have tried and feel would be of interest to you, our readers and friends.

 

          Yeah Raena looks like it’s back to the drawin’ board fur us.

 

Raena lays on the scratcher and looks up

 

 

 

Fanky fankfully mommy thinks we’re purrfect, sissy. Guess we better go finish brekky befur the storms start again.

 

Have you tried any Calming products?

Is there one you like best or have better results with?

 

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

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Dezi lays on the arm of the chair

Blest Sunday: The Internet Can Be A Blessing

Published on by Service Cats U.S.24 Comments

Dezi:  MeOW  C’mon Raena, it’s Blest Sunday and we’ve been MIA since Wednesday. Me’s not sure ifin our furiends missed us or not, but we sure missed them. 

 

Raena sits in box

 

 

 

          Raena:  Yeah sissy, I’s guess we’re gonna have to start tellin’ peeps that we can’t post on mommy’s doctor days. Since the whole lease fiasco when the manager harassed mommy’s doctor’s office, she just gets so stressed out, she can’t help us do anythin’. 

 

Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

 

 

Dezi:  It’s not just that Raena, the doctor keeps messin’ with mommy’s medicines and blamin’ some imaginary rules. Anyways, we’ll just have to figger somethin’ out so we don’t just disappear. Maybe mommy can try to schedule our posty to publish without us bein’ here. 

 

          Raena:  That’s a good idea sissy. But, the last time she scheduled a posty to post without us, it totally disappeared into cyberspace. I’s don’t think she’s ever found that posty. Sometimes the innernet’s not so smart. 

 

Dezi stands in box

 

 

 

Dezi:  Well Raena, mommy says the innernet’s only as smart as the humans who purr-ogram it.

 

 

Raena lays in mommy's lap and get love

 

 

 

          Raena:  Well sissy, ifin that’s the case, ya’ reckon mommy lost our posty and not the innernet? 

 

Luv ya' Dezi
Luv ya’, Dezi (one of the furst fotos we ever posted on me’s bloggy.)

 

 

Dezi:  Me’s not sure Raena, but me ain’t gonna be the one askin’. Anyways, we’re gettin’ off track here. Smart or not, the innernet’s been a big Blessin’ fur us. Cuz of the catputer and the innernets we’ve made loads of amazin’ furiends. Who would’a thought 5 years ago when we got our very furst catputer, we’d be where we are today?. You weren’t ‘round then, but me ‘members mommy was so cautious and ‘fraid that everypawdy was somepawdy other than who they said they were, and that everypawdy was out to give her a virus or somethin’, that she wouldn’t hardly spend any time on it. She fur sure never visited any fun sites. 

 

 

Lexi hangin' out in da wheelchaiw.
Lexi hangin’ out in da wheelchair.

 

 

 

          Raena:  Oh sissy, and the camera ya’ll had. (Raena shakes her head) The other day I’s saw some of the fotos and videos ya’ll posted back then. Those were pawful. Mommy fur sure ain’t no purrfessional when it comes to the foto takin’, but at least she’s learned a few things thru the years. And, the camera got better.  

 

Dezi:  That’s true Raena. ‘Course, mommy had cats and rats (cataracts) back then, so she had no idea how blurry and grainy our fotos were…the whole world was blurry to her. MOL 

 

          Raena:  MOL  (Both Dezi and Raena burst out laughing)  Yeah sissy, now she just blames it on old eyes. But ya’ know what? I’s don’t care how old mommy’s eyes are, I’s luvs her and am so Blest to have her as mine’s mommy.

 

Dezi get love laying on the chair arm

 

 

 

Dezi:  Me too Raena. We also got some goody Blessings this week we need to say fank you fur. We sure do ‘purreciate all of our furiends. and we wanna fank awnty Susan fur the green papers and her furiendship. 

 

Cheese gift from Cindy

Fanky fank you awnty Cindy. I’s luvs me some cheese.

 

 

 

          Raena:  We sure do sissy. And we wanna meow fanky fank you to awnty Cindy fur sendin’ us some goodies and new boxes to play in. You know how much we kitties luvs our boxes. I’s had a great paper bag I’s was playin’ with till mommy threw it out. She said it was all squished and wouldn’t stay open any more. Fur some reason she thought that meant it wasn’t fun. (Shakes head and looks over at the trash can) Sometimes mommies just don’t get it.

 

Dezi:  Well Raena, you did put that paper sack thru it. Me’s sure mommy will get you another one ifin ya’ liked it that much. Mommy always says ifin we’re happy then she’s happy. Me’s purretty sure we even have a box with a couple of those paper sacks ‘round here somewhere. ‘Member the time mommy thought she was gettin’ a really cool toy fur us fur the cheap, and it turned out to be a box of paper sacks? All ya’ gotta do is find that box. MOL 

 

          Raena:  Really sissy? I’s gonna go look fur it now. 

 

Dezi lays on the arm of the chair

 

 

 

Dezi:  You do that Raena. Me’s gonna wrap this up. The truth is, there purr-obably are lots of peeps who aren’t who they say they are and want to take advantage of others. But, fur us, the innernet’s been a huge Blessing and opened up a world with a lot of amazin’ anipals and peeps that we would have never known without it. As we do each week, we’d like to remind you all to take a minute today and every day to give Thanks fur the Blessings in your life. And fank you all fur bein’ a Blessing in ours. 

 

Raena lays in mommy's lap getting love

 

 

 

          Raena:  Don’t furget, we’re linkin’ up with the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies.

 

Dezi: You’ve always gotta have the last meow, don’ch’a Raena? 

 

 

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

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue  

Raena: Navy Blue

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Dezi gets loving from mommy while laying on the arm of the chair

Service Cats: Introducing The New Cat To The Resident Cat(s)

Published on by Service Cats U.S.21 Comments

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays, where we answer your questions and tackle any topic relating to pets, cats in purrticular. Ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can click the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. And you can ask your own questions or make topic suggestions in the comments section below or by sendin’ us a private email via our Contact page. Last week we talked about introducing kitty to roommates and a new apartment. Today, we thought we’d tackle the tough topic of introducing and integrating kitty into a household with resident kitties.

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

The following post will be written in human English for reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Training Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal training, cats in purr-ticular. And to offer insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, successful Training is all about Repetition and Rewards.

 

 

Raena sits posing in her tiger harness

 

 

 

     It was long thought that cats are solitary in nature and preferred to be the only pet in the house. While that is partly true, we are/can be very social and enjoy the attention of our human/family and yes, even other animals including cats. Of course, we must remind you, that there are exceptions. Mommy A calls them Exceptional Kitties, and believes that even they can be integrated into multi pet households. Sis Lexi had been one of those Exceptional Kitties at one time. There may never be the sound of blue birds singing and bees humming, but most kitties can co-exist beside their patient and loving human(s). There are many reasons one may need to integrate a new kitty, such as adoption, marriage, rescue, new roommates, and even long term fostering to name a few. What we’re going to tell you next is the widely accepted way to introduce new kitties to resident kitties or re-introduce kitties after a trauma causes a rift. This is NOT the method mommy A uses; and we will discuss that in another post.

 

Pheremone and Stress Reducing Products:

     While we’ve not had a lot of luck with pheremone based products, you might want to try using them. They come in collars, sprays, edibles, water additives, and plugins. If you use a plugin, watch it closely and change out the entire unit regularly to avoid burning, or any other mishap. You might also want to try flower essences, treats, or other stress reducing products on the market.

 

Dezi and Raena play with the flitter during Raena's first week home

 

 

Note: Before bringing new kitty home for the first time, kitty should have been checked by a Vet and have been tested for all communicable diseases. All cats should be up to date on vaccinations and/or healthy before any face to face meetings or co-mingling of furs and bodily fluids.

 

 

 

Initial Homecoming:

     We do recommend having a Decompression Room/Area for both the resident cat(s) and the newcomer. You can learn how to prepare one here. It is recommended that new kitty and resident kitty be separated in different rooms. New kitty’s space should already be set up with everything he/she will need. We advise including scent markers for everyone in the house, such as a piece of clothing, towel, pillow case, fabric mouse/toy, etc.. Make sure you spend time with new kitty in their space. After a couple of days remove an item that new kitty has scented up and place it in the area of the resident cat(s). Begin feeding kitties closer and closer to the door that separates them. Refresh scent markers in both areas often. 

 

Site Swapping:

     Once new kitty is comfortable with you and their area, you can begin Site Swapping. We can’t put a time frame on any of this, as kitties react based on their previous experiences and personalities. Typically, kittens do acclimate quicker. Site Swapping will allow new kitty to see and smell their entire new territory as well as give them the opportunity to “stake their claim” to it. It will also allow resident kitty to fully explore the scents of their new housemate. During this time, continue feeding both kitties closer and closer to the door that separates them. 

 

Dezi and Raena eating treats on the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

Site Seeing:

     Once both/all kitties are within a couple of feet of the door that separates them, you’ll want to start opening the door so they can see each other. A baby/pet gate draped in a sheet or towel can be used to keep the cats separate and yet allow them to view and smell each other over a meal. NEVER leave the cats unattended until you know how they’re going to act/react. Slowly raise the towel/sheet while the cats are eating. The hope is that they will notice each other but continue to eat. Be prepared to step in and distract either kitty with a toy, wand toys work great for this, and block their site. Continue doing this until both/all cats can eat without any aggression toward the other or you. 

 

Dezi and Raena eat breakfast next to each other

 

 

 

Comingling:

     Finally, allow both/all cats to inhabit the same space at the same time. Observe how both/all cats interact with each other and be prepared to intercede if needed. Do Not be overbearing or baby either kitty during this time. There very well may be a few hisses or growls, but as long as both cats remain calm, don’t step in. And remember, keep each kitty’s Decompression Room/Area set up so they can escape if need be. Remember to take these steps slowly and be prepared to back up a step if either cat(s) shows signs of stress or isn’t ready to take the next step. We highly recommend during this step, cats be introduced face to face through play and/or treat time. We believe it helps “break the ice” and take the stress out of the face to face meeting.  

 

     These steps are also recommended if you suddenly find yourself with discord amongst your usually happy coexisting kitties. We previously wrote mommy A’s Tips for Reintegrating cats in the same household. You can read those Tips here.

 

Dezi wipes eyes while laying on the scratcher

 

 

 

Well, we do hope these tips help. Join us next week when we discuss moving with kitty. Sis Lexi used to meow ‘bout it all the time. Y, She and mommy moved 12 times in her lifetime, and she was a happy and well adjusted adventure kitty. Remember, we cats bond with our humans, not a house. And remember, if you’ve missed any post in this series you can ketch up by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. And, let us know what topics you’d like to read in the comments section below, or send us an email via our Contact page in the menu above. We’re also joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday. Go by and check out all the other adorable kitties. We’ll see ya’ next week or sooner. 

 

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

 

Are you an only (Exceptional) kitty or do you have housemates?

Does everybody get along?

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Raena sits on cat perch looking like a diva

Chatting Cats: No Right Swipes

Published on by Service Cats U.S.27 Comments

Raena:  Hey You!!! Bully lady (apartment manager), what are you doin’ to our car? Mommy, What’s the bully lady doin’ with our car? Don’t you be takin’ no fotos of our car!!!  Just go on and get away, ya’ hear?!! 

 

Raena lays on scratcher looking over her shoulder

 

 

 

          Dezi:  RaenaBelle, what in the world are you growlin’ and hissin’ ‘bout over there? 

 

Close up of Raena sitting on perch and looking out door

 

 

 

Raena:  Y, Don’t you see her sissy? She’s there behind that tree. That mean o’l bully lady’s walkin’ ‘round checkin out our car in the pawrkin’ lot with her camera. I’s don’t know what she’s doin’, cuz our car’s fine and mommy pawrked t’ween the lines, unlike some peeps out here. 

 

          She’s just tryin’ to find another way to harass mommy Raena. Don’t worry ‘bout it, let mommy do the worryin’. The mean lady just can’t stand it that we still live here in spite of all her attempts to get rid of us. Mommy’s still workin’ on the purrticulars of her complaint over the whole lease fiasco, she’ll just have to add this to it. Me swears, it just never stops with this woman. 

 

Raena looks out door while sitting on small cat perch

 

 

 

Yeah sissy, I’s just don’t unnerstand why she hates mommy so much?. We keep to ourselves and don’t cause any trouble, like, ever. And mommy says we pay our rent on time every month, even tho’ they just raised it by $40.00. And, unlike the woofies ‘round here, we’re not poopin’ all over the sidewalks.

 

          Yeah Raena, me knows. But bullies just aren’t happy lessen they’re makin’ somepawdy else miserable. And when they cross somepawdy like mommy, who doesn’t back down, they just get beside themselves tryin’ to garner allies to their side and find new ways to pick on their chosen victims. Me thinks it’s totally ridiculous fur old peeps to be actin’ like 5 year olds on the playground. You’d think at some point everypawdy would just grow up and act their age. 

 

You’d think, huh sissy? Anyways, ‘nuff ‘bout the schoolyard ‘pawrtment bully. What do you think ‘bout the hots comin’ back? Ya’ know, durin’ last weeks storms it kind’a cooled off ‘round here…a lot. But, summer came back with a vengeance this week. It’s been in the hunnerds every day. 

 

Dezi gets loving from mommy while laying on the arm of the chair

 

 

 

          Ain’t that the truth, Raena. Ifin it hadn’t stormed so much me might have enjoyed the cooler weather. But, since it was stormin’ all week, we couldn’t even go fur a stroll or nuffin’. There’s not much to enjoy UTB (under the bed). Meowin’ of storms, did you see the storm that happened on your married to a stranger show last night? 

 

I’s sure did sissy. But you know, that’s what ya’ get when you get married and still troll the datin’ web sites. Somepawdy’s bound to find out. Guess we need to go deactivate all those accounts we made fur mommy on the datin’ sites. Turns out they don’t work that well. After all,  nopawdy ever called mommy fur a date.  

 

          You didn’t actually give anypawdy our nummer, did you Raena? Me didn’t see anypawdy worth swipin’ right fur. 

 

Raena lays on cat tree looking back

 

 

 

Well sissy, maybe you’re too picky like mommy. Were we s’posed to swipe somethin’? Hmmmmmmm Maybe that’s why they didn’t work. I’s ‘member seein’ one or two that might’ve been okay. Oh well, back to the drawin’ board. Maybe we can find a matchmaker. Or maybe we can find a mail order husband. Ya’ know, I’s found a new show on the tube the other night ‘bout fureigners wantin’ to marry Americans fur green cards papers.

 

Dezi eats freeze dried cat food

That Raena’s left her plate again. Ifin me hurries, me can steal her noms too.

 

 

 

          Raena, we don’t have enuff green papers to go ‘round as it is; we’re fur sure not spendin’ ‘em on somepawdy to marry mommy. Me’s thinkin’ we might oughtta take a little break and just let the chips fall where they may. 

 

Raena sits on small perch in front of door

 

 

 

So long as they don’t fall on our track toys, sissy. Mommy does that enuff on her own. Guess we better wrap this up and finish our brekky. I’s think mommy’s headin’ back to the kitchen fur another cup of coffee, and we’ve got lots of furiends to visit. Why don’t you tell the neighbor dog to stop barkin’, it’s inneruptin’ mine’s train of thought and not mine’s idea of good dinner music. 

 

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

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee