cat VOL 2
NO 1
FEATURES 28
Company For Your Cat? The benefits and challenges of a multiple cat home.
36
Cats in Mythology A pantheon of reigning felines. BY RAMONA MAREK
73
BY STEVE DUNO
I L LU ST R AT I O N K I M SM I T H
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P H OTO CI N DY J E R R E L L
ILLUSTRATION KIM SMITH
SPRING/SUMMER 2013
THE GOODS
40 Behind the Scenes: Meet This Issue’s Cover Cat Meet Little Bear, the little cat whose disability doesn’t stop him from enjoying life and winning hearts along the way. PHOTOGRAPHED BY DONNIE KELLEY
42
Best Beds Terrific cat beds for your best pal.
58
Bargain Buys Steal these deals.
48
Smart Food Living longer, getting stronger: how to optimize your cat’s health BY ELIZABETH PASK AND LAURA SCOTT
62
Cool Cat Fab finds for your feline.
66
DIY Craft: Menswear Mouse Toy Treat your kitty to a game of cat and mouse with these dapper DIY toys.
68
DIY EAT: Get Into Summer! Make it! Easy, frozen cat treats to delight even the most discerning cats. BY DANA FOX
70
10 Fun Ways You Can Help Shelter Cats Interested in volunteering some of your time and talents but simply don’t know where to get started? We’ve got fun, easy-to-implement ideas to get the ball rolling!
72
Art Attack: One to Watch Our kind of girl. Hip, young painter Allison Schulnik is obsessed with cats. BY ROSE FROSEK
BY ROSE FROSEK
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BREED PROFILE 22
The Siamese Delicate and sophisticated, the aristocrat of cats. BY KELLY CALDWELL
42
66
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BODY AND SOUL 44 Cats Make Babies Healthier; Make It! Cat Salad 45
In a Cat/Dog Quandary? Ask Dog Lady; Cat Fact; Chirping Cats
46
The 10 Warning Signs of Cancer Early detection is key to successful treatment. A veterinary oncologist shares what to look out for. BY DR. GERALD S. POST
REGULAR FEATURES
58
6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 12 The Scoop 20 Meow! Photo Contest 76 Marketplace
COVER CAT Meet Little Bear, winner of our second Modern Cat Cover Contest with over 56,000 votes! Little Bear was photographed by Donnie Kelley of Kelley and Company Photography. Read Little Bear's story on page 40.
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LIVING 10
Stuff We Love Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter.
12
The Scoop Cat news and reviews.
26
We’re Giving It Away! We've got six months of groovy giveaways, from farm-to-friend treats to hip and joint supplements, just waiting to be won!
32
Aristocats In marrying the feline visage to traditional portraiture, artist Carol Lew delights with cats decked out in 17th century finery. BY NASTASHA SARTORE
34
The Scoop on Kitty Litter Don’t go to the pet store without this guide!
60
How I Met My Cat A cat of few words. BY PAT KOLBERG
64
Bad Romance Nine foods to never give your cat. BY LORI-LEE EMSHEY
75
Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good cat and a good book. Editor-in Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-read titles.
80
Last Lick : Goldie A feral, orange tabby shows his love from across the great divide. BY SUZANNE BEECHER
BY SARAH PLATT
PA I N T I N G A L L I S O N S CH U L N I K
P H OTO BY DA N A G A L L A G H E R . CO U RT E S Y O F M A RT H A S T E W A RT L I V I N G . CO P Y R I G H T © 2 01 0
make ! these
F
irst of all, let me start off with a huge thank you to you, our readers. Because of you, the premiere issue of Modern Cat magazine was an overwhelming success. We received many, many heartwarming and encouraging notes, which we just loved reading. I especially liked the ones that communicated pleasure in finally having a magazine as smart, interesting, and cool as it’s readers! Keep the comments coming, especially feedback on how we can make Modern Cat magazine even better... we couldn’t do it without you. I love that we’re building a community, one bound by a shared love of cats and commitment to their happiness and welfare. Not that there isn’t something in it for we cat lovers— numerous studies have shown that stroking, snuggling or playing with a cat will help lower heart rate, blood pressure, and create a feeling of wellbeing. Even just watching a cat can bring you into the present moment and help you surrender thoughts of past events or future obligations, lowering stress levels. In a lot of ways, they’re our very own therapists—but, for the most part, a lot cheaper! Our cats make our lives complete and our houses homes. A portion of their appeal (How do we love our cats? Let us count the ways…) is just how darn interesting they are. As I’m sure you can attest, they definitely keep one guessing. Cats are a bit of an enigma; of the animals with which we share our homes, they arguably retain the most wildness. This is partly what makes them so intriguing and endearing. At times they’re solitary, independent, and aloof, but then at the drop of a dime, they can be just the reverse—needy, demanding, playful, loving. They often cause their guardians (like a cat can be “owned!”) to wonder just what they’re thinking and why they do the things they do. Of course, like anyone you spend a lot
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of time with, they can be totally frustrating, too, especially if you’re trying to puzzle out a sudden change in character. It’s our goal to help you gain insight into your cat’s behaviour (we love tackling the “whys” behind some of the more inscrutable things our cats do) and help you to live your best and happiest life with your cat. Which brings me to this issue! It’s packed with all manner of goodness, from the best beds, bargain buys, and cool finds to awesome DIY projects like the frozen little fishy treats you’ll find the how-to for on page 68. We also have two veterinary nutritionists give super advice on how to optimize your cat’s health and manage chronic health conditions. And we’ve got great art galore, from nifty digitally-altered portraits that will have your cat suited up like a Victorian dandy to hip, young artist Allison Schulnik’s cat obsession and the resultant paintings that have Art Review naming her one of the “ones to watch.” And there’s more! We’ve got 10 fun ways you can help shelter cats (Cake baking! Toys drives!), we take a look at Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington’s feline fancy, delve into cats in mythology, explore the benefits and challenges of a multi-cat home (page 28), and so much more. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
With love,
Connie Wilson, Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief
What is it that so many people find enchanting in animals? Their essence – their Being – is not covered up by the mind, as it is in most humans. And whenever you feel that essence in another, you also feel it in yourself. —Eckhart Tolle, Guardians of Being
P H O T O M A R K VA N M A N E N / CO U RT E S Y O F T H E P ROV I N C E
ED ITO R ’S LE T T E R
cat
C ON TRIBUT OR S Ramona D. Marek is an awardwinning freelance writer, member, and former director of the Cat Writers’ Association who has written for many print and digital magazines internationally. Ramona writes about various topics including the role and symbolism of the cat in fine arts (art, literature, mythology, and history), animal health, and welfare. She finds inspiration in her two feline muses, Tsarevich Ivan, a pedigreed Siberian, and Natasha Fatale, a full-time diva adopted from the local shelter. In this issue, turn to page 36 to check out Ramona’s fascinating article,”Cats in Mythology: a Pantheon of Reigning Felines.”
SPRING/SUMMER 2013 VOL 2 NO 1 Publisher
Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief
Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Circulation Manager & Marketing Director
Jessica Nosek Circulation Supervisor
Jane Hope Design & Production
Maxine Matishak Design & Production Assistant
Vanessa Dong Sales & Marketing
Sara Lima, Mary Liu Accounting and Subscription Services Assistant
Celine Benipayo Controller
Cecilia de Roca Chan Editorial Intern
Aisha Tejani
To photograph this issue’s heartwinning Cover Cat contest winner, Little Bear, we enlisted the wonderful Donnie Kelley of Kelley and Company Photography. Located in Milford, New Hampshire, Donnie has been loving and photographing pets for over 10 years now. With her fun and relaxed style, she exposes the true spirit and beauty of her subjects, capturing those sweet looks, silly expressions, and crazy antics that her clients love. Turn to page 40 to meet Little Bear. To see even more of Donnie’s work, go to kelleypets.com.
Donations Program Liaison
Jessica Nosek Honourary Editor-at-Large
Jytte Wilson Subscription inquiries call (800) 417-6289 Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 2, Issue 1. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 2, Issue 1. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 061114003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE
(604) 734-3131
OR TOLL FREE
Kim Smith is an illustrator from Calgary, Alberta. She grew up drawing, but never really considered a career as an artist until high school, when she was forced to choose between her two loves, science and art. Lucky for us, art won out. She graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Design in character design. Her passion is narrative illustration for magazines, children’s books, and comics. Check out Kim’s totally awesome illustration for “Company For Your Cat” on page 28.
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FAX
(866) 734-3131
(604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031
The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2013 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Cat and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Cat Inc. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4
PRINTED IN CANADA
www.moderncat.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013
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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter 1 Brookyln-based illustrator and surface pattern designer Leah Goren makes all sorts of cool things and sells them in her Esty shop. Among my faves is this drape-y, organic cotton tank printed with her original kitty-head design.—Jennifer ($85, etsy.com/shop/leahgoren)
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2 I love the whimsical designs of these engraveable pet identification tags from Sleepypod.
Choose from the chick, whale, lion, dinosaur or sheep designs, but be forewarned, they’re all so darned cute, you’ll probably order more than one. Made of jewelry-grade 100 percent stainless steel or 18k gold-plate, they come in two sizes, a small size for kitty and a larger size for you.—Connie (from $18, sleepypod.com)
3 As my hero Queen Beyonce would say, “if you like it then you should’a put a ring
on it!” What better ring to put on than this totally adorable Tom Cat sterling silver ring designed by Mark Poulin? So cute!—Celine ($48, markpoulin.com)
BM
4 Go retro with your cats, no Instagram filters needed! Thanks to the Impossible Project,
which saved the last Polaroid plant and thus saved instant photography, you can still take unique old-school photos of your lovely feline friends. The Polaroid Sun 660 Kit comes with two film packs and an Impossible Frog Tongue, which shields the photo from light while it develops. Did I mention that the camera is original and refurbished? Are you kitten me? Pretty meowsome.—Vanessa (From $85, the-impossible-project.com)
5 I absolutely love the Kong Kickeroos! These cuddly lil’ monsters are filled with catnip, crackle when you touch ‘em and, and have 68 amazing reviews on amazon! I’m sold! —Aisha ($4, kongcompany.com)
6 Because I’m ever so slightly more artistic in my mind than in practice, I occasionally need
a little help. This paint-by-numbers kit helps me complete masterpieces of all the creatures in my life. Just upload a photo of your choice and your coded canvas and paints soon arrive, ready for your artistic touch.—Jessica (from $49, easy123art.com)
7 Blackie Chan is a secret ninja kitty who values his privacy, so he really loves his
^
Kitty A Gogo litter box that provides the seclusion he deserves while he does his business. Plus, the sleek black exterior matches his shiny, soft coat.—Sara ($130, kittyagogo.com)
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8 Baskets are awesome to begin with and to make it even more awesome simply put me, Momo, a 6 month old kitten in one of these lovely handcrafted fabric baskets from Carrie Belle’s Calicos. Kitten in a basket? What more could you ask for!—Momo ($42, cbcalicos. com)
9 These pillowcases are sure to get people talking! Not only do they feature hilariously
accurate slogans for pet owners but they are soft and luxurious too!—Maxine "Catishak" Matishak ($38, dogsnorz.com)
10 Our Cordy’s afraid of everything—loud noises, other cats, visiting humans—and this led
to some pretty antisocial behaviour, including a total avoidance of the litter box. Then we plugged in a Feliway diffuser, which releases a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure, and now she’s purring loud and proud (and using the box again).—Jane ($40, feliway.com)
11 Trips to the vet will be a breeze now that I have a Thundershirt for my cats. The gentle, constant pressure from the Thundershirt keeps my cats calm, cool, and reassured. No more hiding in the waiting room!—Mary ($40, thundershirtforcats.com)
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&
CAT NEWS AND REVIEWS
PUB CATS We’ll Drink to That!
Pubcats.com is exactly what the name says it is: a site devoted to pubs with cats. The website hosts a “Cat Map,” where you can search for pubs and bars across the globe with a resident cat. Pubcats is continually updating their cat/pub database and have a “Submit a Pubcat” form on their site should there be a pubcat somewhere going unrecognized. You know what they say, after a long day at the office there’s nothing like a pint with a side of meows.—LE
Love This!
Puss and Prejudice? A Tale of Two Kitties? Take your prettiest cat photo and let HotDigitalDog turn it into a hilarious keepsake, complete with sepia tones, jaunty Victorian apparel, and your cat’s name on a vintage nameplate. Combining a love of antique photographs and graphic art, Cindy Jerrell carefully hand-creates each portrait, capturing your cat’s unique quirks and personality with sensitivity and a sense of humour. We’re willing to bet your cat will never have looked so dashing (hats and monocles do generally assist with a dapper turn out). In addition to cats, thanks to Cindy’s magic, dogs, ferrets, and even budgies sport nifty turn-of-last-century threads. Check out the exceedingly charming results at etsy.com/shop/hotdigitaldog, then commission your own for just $49.—MB
We
big cats!
The Comeback Kid Asian Golden Cat
Good news: the rare Asian Golden Cat, also known as Temmincki’s Gold Cat, not documented for 10 years, was caught on camera November 2012 in the Motianling Land Trust Reserve in Sichuan Province, China. PHOTO COURTESY MOUNTAIN VIEW CONSERVATION & BREEDING CENTRE SOCIETY
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DON’T DECLAW YOUR CAT! BY JACKSON GALAXY, AKA CAT DADDY, AUTHOR OF WHAT THE WORLD’S MOST INCORRIGIBLE CAT TAUGHT ME ABOUT LIFE, LOVE, AND COMING CLEAN
It’s easy to think of declawing a cat as just permanently clipping her nails, but nothing could be less accurate. Imagine somebody cutting off all your fingers just below the first knuckle, and then having to go through life like that. That’s much closer to what a declawed cat experiences. Declawing can cause physical, behavioral, and emotional problems for years to come. If your cat is scratching things you don’t want her to scratch, here are some things you can do:
•
Make sure she has satisfactory scratching surfaces that aren’t furniture
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Instead of old carpet, try sisal or corrugated cardboard
•
Try Soft Paws: covers you can put on her claws to keep her scratching from doing any damage
THE SCOOP
Seat Me Next to the Cat, Please
-alook ? likes
TOP 10 CAT NAMES
“Bella” Continues Reign as Most Popular Moniker Though the Twilight movie franchise has concluded, the popularity of the name “Bella” is showing no signs of slowing down among pet guardians, with the moniker once again topping the list of Veterinary Pet Insurance Co’s (VPI’s) most common dog and cat names. VPI, a U.S. provider of pet health insurance, sorted its database of more than 485,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 most popular cat names of 2012. 1. Bella 2. Max 3. Chloe 4. Oliver 5. Lucy
6. Smokey 7. Shadow 8. Tiger 9. Charlie 10. Tigger
The preference for human names for furry friends continues to hold. Each of the top five cat and dog names were also among babycenter.com’s 100 most popular baby names of 2012. Meanwhile, traditional pet names continue to trend downward. Of the nearly half a million pets insured by VPI, just 65 cats purred to “Fluffy” and only 11 dogs barked to “Fido.” “The popularity of people names doubling as pet names is a testament to the bigger trend of pet owners viewing their pets as members of the family,” said Curtis Steinhoff, director of Corporate Communications at VPI. “It’s now just as common for a pet to be named ‘Oliver’ or ‘Chloe’ as it is for a child.” Not that it’s all Bella’s and Max’s out there. Some of the more unusual names include “Pico de Gato” and “Blackie Chan” (the latter belongs to the newest kitty in the Modern Cat crew!).
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In a move praised by PETA, Delta Airlines banned pets from travelling in the cargo holds of their Boeing 767 airlines following a series of deaths in 2011. Other airlines, such as Air Canada, have banned the transport of pets in cargo to countries with extreme high temperatures, like Mexico, because the risk of injury is too high. While the cabin of the plane is pressurized, climate controlled, and ventilated, cargo holds are often not. Animals in cargo can be subjected to extreme temperatures and lack of oxygen, a combination that can prove fatal, especially when coupled with the stress of travel. In some cases, the crates are damaged while being transported to and from the airplane, allowing the animals to escape. Sadly, pets lost in transit are rarely found. To reduce the chances of pets being injured, killed or lost during air transport, Continental and United Airlines have implemented the PetSafe program, which allows owners to track their pets and provides access to a 24 hour live help desk if there are any problems or concerns. After hearing of the increased efforts to provide safe passage for pets, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk personally thanked Delta CEO Richard Anderson. PETA then went on to call for all commercial airlines to convert a few rows of cabin seating into kennel and carrier holds to accommodate cats and dogs that cannot fit in a carrier under the seat, which is generally all pets over 16 pounds. With any luck, larger pet passengers will be boarding a plane with you soon. We’ll take a fluffy Maine Coon over an overly chatty armrest-hog any day.—LE
THE SCOOP
Famous Cat Lovers Stars—They’re just like us!
Modern Cat team member (and very good sport) Momo indulges us in a "breading" attempt.
The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread Cats + sandwich bread = Internet gold The hottest new internet meme (well, depending on the circles you run in) involves sandwich bread and felines, a unlikely yet winning combination taking the internet by storm. “Breading,” for the uninitiated, is when you take a piece of bread and make a hole in it, put it on your cat’s head, take a photo, upload, and laugh. The inexplicably hilarious practice came to prominence through sites such as breadedcats.com and catbreading.org, with the latter even branching out to include, gasp, dogs in the fun. So, a call to action: send photos of your cat being breaded to catbreading@moderncat. com for a chance to appear in the fall/winter issue!
Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev may be caught in a love triangle on-screen, but at home her kitty Jama-Lynx has her heart. Underworld and Total Recall star Kate Beckinsale loves her cat so much she paid pet detectives $1000 when her cat, Wabbit, went missing. Funny man Ricky Gervais became the surprise dad to Siamese Ollie in 2003 after being gifted with Ollie on a late-night talk show. Eight years later and Ollie still holds center stage. Newly initiated cat lover Robert
Downey Jr has
two kittens, Monty and Dart, that he rescued after they were found abandoned in West Hollywood. I l l u s t ratio n by S ar ah Hir aki, C h eezb urger st affer and new ly mint ed r e a l i t y T V s tar than ks to her role on L O LWork. C h eck out Sarah ’s b l og at s ar ahhir aki. co m.
Lolwork Cats rule the Internet, thanks to sites like I Can Has Cheezburger beaming LOL-worthy cats straight into our collective psyche (or handheld device). Now Cheezburger staff, including founder Ben Huh, are stars thanks to Bravo’s comedic reality TV offering, LOLwork, a 30 minute sneak peek into the wonderfully weird behind-the-scenes workings of Internet titan Cheezburger Inc. The show documents the staff on their mission to provide people with five minutes of happiness a day through funny photos, posts, and ridiculous memes offered through their various online ventures, from FAIL Blog to the aforementioned lion of cat media sites, I Can Has. The first season wrapped December 2012, but you can check out the hilarious work culture through iTunes or OnDemand.—JH
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“Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are God. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are God.”—Christopher Hitchens
THE SCOOP
Get Your Cat Mojo On
“Green” Your Cat Easy ways to go green
It’s easy to make your cat into a tree-hugger. Simple swaps can greatly reduce your kitty’s impact on the environment without depriving them of their favourite things. And going green can actually improve their health and wellbeing, which is a sweet side benefit of your eco-enthusiasm.
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One of your first stops should be the litter box (give it a scoop while you’re there!). Conventional clay cat litter can damage paws, especial-
ly in kittens, and is also the product of earth-unfriendly mining practices. Switch to one made from wheatgrass, corn or recycled newspaper. One Modern Cat recommended litter to try is the wheat-based Swheat Scoop ($30, swheatscoop.com).
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Be sure to check the label on your pet food as well. Whether your cat prefers dry kibble or canned food, try to choose a brand that nixes ar-
Finally, a social networking site that edits out everything but cats Ever feel that Pinterest is just too many weddings and clothes, and not enough furry love? Is your Facebook littered with too many photos of people? Then Catmoji.com might be for you! As an interactive cat-munity of the feline-obsessed, the site is all about sharing photos and videos of our furry friends. While working on another social network, the catadoring creative team behind Catmoji realized that cat lovers needed their own space to share just cat content. And thus, your new favourite Internet diversion was born. Get your cat mojo on at catmoji.com.—JH
tificial flavours—they are bad for your cat as well as the environment. (You should consult with your veterinarian before making any food decisions.)
3
Playtime is a great time to go green. Consider eco-friendly options like organic catnip when selecting new toys for your cat. Scratching posts
come in a wide variety of eco-options, such as those made from recycled cardboard or organic seagrass. Try SmartyKat’s Scratchpod ($18, smartykat. com) made with recycled materials.
4
Naptime, too, presents many eco options. From recycled materials to organic cottons, there are some great choices where cuddling up is con-
cerned, like West Paw’s comfy Bumper Beds, the stuffing of which is made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. Good for the earth, good for your feline!—JH
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CAT TRIVIA
A group of cats is called a clowder, glaring or clutter.
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come in a wide variety of colours, designs and fabrics including velvet, ruffles, and sparkles so you can find the purrfect fit for your furball. swankykitty.com
HOT DOGS ALL DRESSED Cats are
never left out at Hot Dogs All Dressed! Their soft leather safety cat collars, harnesses, and leashes come in a rainbow of colours and decorations! hotdogsalldressed.com
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your existing modern décor with stylish, ecofriendly cat furniture from Square Cat Habitat. All products have removable inserts and are made in the USA. squarecathabitat.com
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OLEMAE Cat
napping on your sweaters? Instead, give your cat a handmade, felted wool cat bed that’s cozy, contemporary, and beautiful. Olemae originals are inspired by monochromatic and colour block design. etsy.com/shop/olemae
MarmarSuperstar Magnetic Necklace sets come with a pewter bezel and three necklace options. Switch out the cute images with any of our over 300 designs for endless possibilities! markpoulin.com
HUGS Check out the new
interactive Cat Toy Collection from Hugs Pet Products! They’re designed to spark your cat’s curiosity as well as provide hours of fun! hugspetproducts.com
CAT BALL The Cat Ball is
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ning Turbo Scratcher just got better! Simply add the Turbo Teaser Toys or the Turbo Treat Ball to your Turbo Scratcher or Star Chaser for more fun. bergandirectdelivery.com
! w o e M
cat
Photo Contest Winners Bill
Busy
Yoda
Snaggle
Ralphie
Brandy Mooshu
Mimo
Ruby
Miiko 20 moderncat
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Moppie
Elsie
Corndog Houdini
Rebel
Pusheen
Daisy & Sasha
Sashi Isis
Mack Think your cat ought to grace the pages of Modern Cat? Send us photos of your picture-perfect cat! The winning entries will be published in Modern Cat magazine. Enter online at moderncat. com/photocontest or send photos to: Modern Cat Photo Contest, Suite 202, 343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4. Submitted photographs are property of Modern Cat and will not be returned. Please include your name, cat’s name and breed, address and contact info, including telephone number. Assignment of rights applies; see full details at moderncat.com/photocontest/rules.
Mr. Waffles
Miu moderncat.com
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BREED PROFILE
The Siamese
Delicate and sophisticated, the aristocrat of cats
MARY BLOOM © AKC
By Kelly Caldwell
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W
ith its stunning good looks and regal nature, it’s hardly a surprise that legends evolved and early folklore told of the Royal Cat of Siam—a cat that was so truly special that only members of the royal family could own one. Fortunately, whether fact or fiction, no such restrictions apply today, and even an average Joe can opt to share his life with a Siamese cat. In return, he can only hope against hope to be this special cat’s chosen person. So where did this fabulous feline come from? As it happens, the Siamese is one of the oldest recognized breeds of domestic cats, with origins in Thailand (known formerly as Siam). The International Cat Association (TICA) notes that Cat Book Poems, a manuscript dating to 1350 from the ancient capital of Siam, included pictures of, “a palecoated cat with a black mask, tail, feet, and ears.” The existence of such ancient texts and drawings suggests that the Siamese cat was treasured in its native land. As is the case with virtually all ancient breeds, exact origins and early breeding records for the Siamese are not available. What we do know is that Siamese cats were imported into England in the 19th century. According to TICA, the Siamese cat first appeared at London’s Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871. By the 20th century, the breed was being shown in North America and its popularity was soaring. In fact, the Siamese was—and continues to be—so popular that it has served as the precursor for many breeds. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) notes that the Siamese has played a role in the development of the Balinese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Tonkinese, and other cat breeds. In terms of conformation, the Siamese is a svelte creature, characterized by lengthiness in the head, neck, body, legs, and tail. Its head is one of its most distinguishing features and should be wedge-shaped as opposed to round. Deep blue almond-shaped eyes, dramatic colourpointing, and a short, silky coat contribute to the breed’s look of refined elegance. Speaking of coat, the National Siamese Cat Club (NSCC) explains that the breed’s earliest available records indicate a sealpoint pattern was present in the cats initially imported into England. Evidence suggests that other coat colour patterns were found in the cats of ancient Siam and, over time, additional colour classes emerged and have gained acceptance in the Siamese breed. The CFA acknowledges sealpoint, bluepoint,
moderncat.com
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The Siamese is one of the oldest recognized breeds of domestic cats, with origins in Thailand, formerly known as Siam.
Profile:
The Siamese Grooming: With its short, sleek coat, the Siamese’s grooming requirements are quite basic. Weekly brushing is advised. Playfulness/sociability: Siamese are highly social cats and they love to be entertained. If you played Fetch with your Siamese, you wouldn’t be the first!
chocolatepoint, and lilacpoint coat patterns. TICA’s standard accepts a range of colours, focusing on the pattern of even colour throughout the cat’s body with dark shading on the points—the face, legs, feet, tail, and ears. So aside from being able to appreciate his stunning good looks on a daily basis, what’s it like to share your life with a Siamese? Well for starters, you likely won’t have to search high and low for your pet. In fact, chances are he’ll be close by, waiting for you to provide a comfortable lap to sit on, or looking to be entertained. You do realize that a Siamese must be entertained, right? Fanciers describe the Siamese as an affectionate and highly social breed that needs companionship to thrive. Long periods of isolation won’t be appreciated and, if yours is a one-cat household and you leave your Siamese alone for too long, you’ll almost certainly hear about it from this famously-vocal breed. This breed is many things, but quiet is not on the list! Plan on living with a cat that always gets the last word… about everything. More than one cat fancier has referred to the Siamese as living art—perfectly understandable given the breed’s elegant, refined appearance. These cats are special, and those who share their lives with a Siamese know it. Prolific writer and cat fancier Compton Mackenzie once said, “People who belong to Siamese cats must make up their minds to do a good deal of waiting upon them.” He and many others since have had no problem making that choice. Rest assured, there is a great deal of pleasure to be found, living a life in the service of the aristocrats of cats. n
If you like the Siamese, give some consideration to...
Heritage: This ancient breed was originally developed in Siam, known today as Thailand. Once fabled to be the companion animals exclusively to royal family members, the breed is today popular with cat fanciers and pet owners alike. Rescue: For information about Siamese cat rescue in Canada or the United States, visit nationalsiamese.com/ rescue.htm
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Burmese
Balinese
Tonkinese
s y a w a e v i G t Grea
ENTER TO WIN We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways April through September. Go to moderncat.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.
april
may
1st-14th
15th-30th
1st-14th
15th-31st
Win a Sturdi Products Car-GO Portable Pop Up Shelter, including carrying case, hammock, comfort pad, and vinyl liner. Travel safely with your felines!
Win one of ten Andis prize packs featuring the Andis Pin Brush and the Andis Slicker Brush grooming tools. Great for grooming your cat!
Win one of two one-year supplies of World’s Best Cat Litter, allnatural cat litter made from wholekernel corn, offering outstanding odour control and quick clumping!
Win one of three Petmate See & Sleep carriers that double as BOTH a top-loading pet tote and comfortable fold-out bed for resting at your travel destination!
june
1st-14th Ten lucky winners will receive a two months’ supply of Bimini’s Best dog hip and joint health supplement for healthy hip function and relief of discomfort.
july
15th-30th Win one of five Fizzion Starter Kits plus five additional refill packs. Fizzion’s patented tablet cleaning formula removes pet stains and odours with the power of CO2!
august
1st-14th Win one of four Whole Life Pet gift boxes packed with “Farm to Friend” human-quality, hormone-free, freeze-dried, freerange meat treats!
15th-31st Win one of 8 Scratch Lounges, a revolutionary three sided scratcher that satisfies a cat’s natural instinct to nest.
september
1st-14th
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Win a cat toy prize pack from West Paw Design including a Bumper Bed and toys featuring fresh, organic catnip.
Win one of five prize packages of Fromm Family Foods Four Star Nutritionals Cat products, including a variety of dry and canned recipes!
Win one of 10 Litter Genie Plus cat litter disposal systems. Ultimate odour control and no more daily trips to the outside trash!
Win one of two crafty Easy123 Art Classic Kits and get ready to paint your photo by numbers! Just send a photo to get started!
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning April 1, 2013 at 12:01 AM (PST) through September 30, 2013 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderncat.com/giveaways. Each biweekly giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderncat.com/giveaways.
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COMPANY FOR YOUR CAT? The benefits and challenges of a multiple cat home by Steve Duno Illustration by Kim Smith
A
t a friend’s home, you watch as her two young cats play like fiends, chasing each other, batting ping-pong balls, and having a grand time of it. Then, tired, they settle down together in a heap and go to sleep. On your way home, you can’t help but think: is my solo cat missing out? The short answer is: it depends on the cat. Some will take to a new feline companion fairly quickly and enjoy the camaraderie, while others will hate the intrusion and wage bloody war on the interloper. That’s the nature of cats, a species that leans toward the stoic, the independent, the self-sufficient. Cats are supremely territorial and often loathe to share space with other pets. And they abhor change, which is what a new cat definitely amounts to. That said, some cats are more socially inclined than others. Shelter cats who have spent lots of time with others before being adopted will often accept a new feline into the home, as will naturally friendly cats who don’t seem to mind who comes and goes. And kittens usually have little problem socializing with others, particularly other kittens (more on that later). The key question to ask before proceeding is: why are you considering a second cat? If it’s because you think your cat would be happier with the company, understand that you are applying a human perspective to the situation. Though we might hate being alone ten hours each day, most cats do quite well with it, and even prefer it that way. But, if it’s simply because you want the extra company or would like to rescue a cat from the multitude facing euthanasia in an overcrowded shelter, that’s at least a fair and/or noble answer. And, in many cases, it’s something you can make work.
Plan Wisely So, then, you want a second cat, for you. Okay. Now the issue becomes: can it be done? The answer is probably, though it will depend very much on your resident cat, on the new cat, on the available space, and on how well you set your home up beforehand.
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First, take stock of your cat. Is she friendly toward guests? Has she interacted with other pets in a civil manner? If so, the odds are good that a new cat will eventually be accepted by her. But, if she was once a stray or a feral cat, has a history of fighting, or has lived for a long time on her own, then your job becomes harder. Does she hide when guests come, only to resurface an hour after the last person has gone? If so, the idea of getting a second cat becomes a riskier one. Now, look to your home. Is it a one-room apartment or a spacious house? Small areas make socializing two cats harder, because they covet territory and won’t stand for constant invasions into their space. In a large home, even two cats hostile to each other can find space to live and to avoid each other if need be. But in a small space, two angry cats are likely to brawl.
Kitten Power Cat lovers who desire two cats do best by getting two kittens, right at the beginning. Kittens who grow up side by side almost always get along well and will amuse and exercise each other throughout the day. Two littermates from a shelter are the ideal choice here. If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance. Your resident cat will still be young enough to recall having fun with her littermates, and the new kitten will be more than happy to oblige. Even if your resident cat is an adult, selecting a kitten of the opposite gender for the new pet is highly recommended, as her youth and low stature will guarantee that few territorial disputes will take place. The older cat will read her the riot act quickly, and set the tone for future relations.
pets fight more), have a large enough home, and introduce them in the right fashion. If you do add an adult cat of the same gender, expect some initial fireworks, and then a substantially longer period of time for the two to integrate.
Territory Cats revere territory. They patrol it, mark it, defend it, lord over it. In this, your domestic cat is not much different than a lion. Bring a new pet or person in, or even change the layout of your home, and your cat could act out in many ways, including hiding, aggression, marking, destruction, or incessant vocalization. That’s why it is crucial to have enough space available if you’re going to bring in a new cat. For two cats, try to have a minimum of a 1000 square feet of space in your home, and more if possible. Multiple floors and assorted open rooms will help the cats establish their own “sub-territories” within the home, so open things up as much as possible.
Breed Certain cat breeds tend to be more sociable than others. These include the:
Tonkinese
Sphynx
Adopting an Adult Cat Here’s where it gets tricky. Adult cats have well-established personalities and won’t change overnight just to accommodate a new competitor. If your resident cat has a shy streak, you might exacerbate the issue by bringing in number two. If the home cat is a somewhat pushy, territorial character, the second cat might end up walking into a buzz saw of resistance. In this situation, it could literally take a year before peace reigns again. If, however, your resident adult cat has a history of social harmony with other cats (or even a dog), bringing in another sociable adult could work, provided you alternate gender (same sex
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Burmese
Cornish & Devon Rex
Siamese
Balinese
Havana Brown
I L LU S T R AT I O N S K I M S M I T H
Cats revere territory. They patrol it, mark it, defend it, lord over it. In this, your domestic cat is not much different than a lion.
These active, playful cats will stand a better chance of getting along than will more shy cats, such as the Persian, American Wirehair, Scottish Fold, or Angora. And, though exceptions abound, short-haired pure bred or mixed breed cats generally tend to be friendlier than long-haired cats. Though the sociability factor of mixed breed cats is harder to predict, simply watching to see if she interacts nicely with other cats at the shelter will usually be a good indicator.
What’s Needed? Before you visit your local shelter for that new cat, you’ll need to take some precautions first, and also obtain a few new items. First, be sure to set up a “new cat” room ahead of time. Whether you choose a kitten or an older cat, the newbie will at first need to be sequestered in a room of its own, temporarily separated from the resident cat. This “quarantine” will allow the cats to hear and smell each other, but not actually greet in person. This period should last at least a few days. Next, purchase some type of screening or several baby gates, which will be placed in the doorway between the new cat room and the rest of the house. Once the initial quarantine is over, you’ll open the door and replace it with the see-through barrier, allowing everything but actual contact. You will need to purchase a second litter box and scratching post and separate food and water dishes for the newbie. While you’re at it, buy a few new cat toys. And if you can afford it, get a carpeted, multi-tiered “kitty condo” to expand their territory and give them places to escape from the other if need be. Lastly, get a plant sprayer bottle to break up the occasional fight.
with this quick switch. Watch for marking at this time, even with a female. Do this switching for two or three days.
Seeing is Believing Now, with the new cat back into the quarantine room, replace the door with the see-through barrier. Odds are both cats will immediately go to the barrier and check each other out. If the new cat is a kitten, she’ll most likely be very curious and open to greeting, while the resident adult cat will remain guarded or perhaps even hissy. That’s okay; just be patient. Leave this arrangement in place for a few days and see what happens.
Let the Games Begin Now it’s time to let them interact in the main area. They might sniff each other, run away, fight, or even get along—it’s hard to tell. If the new pet is a kitten, expect her to be open to interaction, with your resident cat acting standoffish but not altogether aggressive. This is due to the kitten’s age; she just isn’t that big of a threat. But if the new kid is an adult, be ready with the sprayer bottle to break up a fight. You can even toss a cat toy at them to break up the tension. If it seems to be working, let them figure it out. But if it’s too violent, revert back to keeping them in separate rooms for a few days with the barrier in place. It could take weeks before they accept each other, so be patient!
The older cat will read her the riot act quickly, and set the tone for future relations.
Détente Slow Going! Once you find that perfect new cat, you’ll be tempted to rush things, but it’s key you gradually introduce her into your resident cat’s world. Take your time. Bring the new cat into the home in a box (usually provided by the shelter), and release her into the “quarantine” room, which should be set up nicely with the litter box, dishes, toys, a bed, and a scratching post as this will be her home for at least a few days. The door at this point should be closed. Both cats will hear and smell each other without being able to come face to face yet. After a few days, switch the cats for a few hours each day, giving the new cat a chance to explore and the resident cat the opportunity to investigate the “invader’s” scent. Have a friend help you
Eventually, a state of resignation should take hold in your resident cat’s mind. She’ll not be happy to share her territory but, as long as there is sufficient space and places for the cats to retreat to, things should eventually work out. At this stage, be sure to feed them separately to avoid food aggression. Gradually move their dishes closer over time, until they can eat in the same room. Monitor feeding time and watch for one cat stealing food from the other. Leave out toys and perhaps even two cardboard boxes filled with newspaper and a few treats to encourage exploration and to provide the cats with an alternative to direct conflict. Like kids taught to get along through sports, distractions can help your cats find common ground. Unlike dogs, who make friends fairly quickly, cats take a while to accept new pets or people into their sanctum. But if you choose the right new cat, stay patient, and ease them into the new situation, chances are they will eventually accept each other, and ultimately be sleeping together in a furry little tangle. n
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Aristocats By Nastasha Sartore
W
hat do 17th century Dutch masters, Elizabethan ruffs, formal portraiture, and our canine pals have in common? Answer: a woman to
unite them all in masterfully rendered and totally disarming paintings that combine the techniques and style of historical portraiture—topped with the visage of a cat. As one might guess, for oil painter Carol Lew, creating art is about making people smile. Lew graduated from the Philadelphia College of Art, but took a lengthy break from her practice. Years later, when she started painting again, she cast about for a subject that would not only show off her considerable talent, but her sense of humour as well. It turns out animals were the perfect fit. When Lew happened upon the work of Thierry Poncelet,
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a painter, art dealer, and restorer of fine paintings who is renowned for replacing the heads in old paintings and forgotten family portraits with those of dogs— portraits that he calls “Aristochiens”— something just clicked. After completing her first portrait of a Great Dane in the style of an 18th century portrait, she “was hooked on the theme.” For her, the style “[elevates] the stature of animals and [pokes] a little fun at humans at the same time.” Among her inspirations are painters John Singer Sargent, Anthony van Dyck, and the 17th century Dutch masters, whose understanding of light and shadows is something that Lew strives to achieve in her own work. Lew works with oil paints, traditionally used by the portrait artists she admires. Their richness and slow drying time allow her to build and blend the layers of paint to desired effect. As for capturing just the right expression, Lew has plenty of inspiration at home. An ardent supporter of animal rescue, she shares her home with her two cats and two dogs, all adopted from shelters as seniors. Lew purposely chooses to take in older pets having seen they have a much harder time finding permanent homes. She is also a volunteer at her local shelter, Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and a frequent foster “mom” for kittens. (Carol, we adore you.) “It’s the way I try to make a difference,” Lew says. “Pets are completely reliant on people but they don’t all have happy homes, so I enjoy helping the less fortunate ones.” Lew accepts commissions for portraits, which begin at $450. She has painted cats, dogs, pigs, and even a dapper hamster. She also sells her favourites as prints in her Etsy shop, Old World Pet Portraits (etsy.com/shop/ OldWorldPetPortraits). If anyone’s inquiring, we’re dying for a custom portrait. The MC cats would look just dandy in regimental attire. n
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LITTER LOVE
THE SCOOP ON KITTY LITTER Don’t go to the pet store without this guide! by Sarah Platt
Y
ou’ve made that momentous decision—you’re going to get a cat. You’ve scoped out local rescues, picked out the perfect food bowl, and stocked up on catnip. You’re all ready for your new family member. But then you arrive at the litter section of your local pet store and the options available are overwhelming. What’s a conscientious pet parent to choose? Cat litter triggers your feline’s natural bathroom instincts. Cats that live outdoors will always choose a sandy surface to dig their claws into when they eliminate, and litter is designed to mimic that sensation indoors. The kind of litter you choose can be influenced by your cat’s age, the number of cats in your house, and your own personal preferences. Here, we’ve de-mystified the kinds of cat litter available. Don’t go to the pet store without this guide!
Do you want a traditional-style litter?
NO
YES Are you more worried about dust or smell?
Is your cat used to clay litter?
DUST
SMELL Look for a low-dust formula, like Tidy Cat from Purina. Try a Silica Gel litter, great for small spaces or strong smells. Try Fresh Step Crystals.
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YES
Are you more concerned about smell, clumping or both?
CLUMPING
SMELL Look for a plant-based formula with extra clumping power like World’s Best Cat Litter, a whole kernel corn-based product that's great at odour control too.
Go for a super-absorbent starchy formula like wheatbased Swheat Scoop. It stops odours in their tracks and clumps quickly too.
NO BOTH
Teach your cat how to use the toilet. (Seriously though, it is possible. Check out our tutorial at moderncat.com/ toilettrainedcat.)
Try an eco-friendly recycled newspaper product, like Good Mews by Earth’s Balance. Bonus: Extra large pellets prevent tracking and don’t get stuck to long-haired kitties.
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I M AG E CO U RT ESY N AT I O N A L G A L L E R Y O F A RT, WA SH I N GTO N
Sphinx Wearing a Crescent on Her Head, c. 1543, Jean Mignon French, 16th Century Etching Rosenwald Collection
Cats in Mythology A pantheon of reigning felines By Ramona Marek
O
ur reverence of cats has deep roots. Tens of thousands of years before the ancient Egyptians held them in highest regard, felines figured prominently in world mythologies. In the pantheon of gods and deities, the majestic feline has reigned supreme for over 30,000 years. Mythology is a civilization’s collection of stories addressing its worldview, beliefs and ideals, and cultural history, usually dealing with universal themes of creation, the life cycle (life, death and rebirth), and the explanation of naturally occurring phenomena. Myths may have been employed to explain a particular ritual, honour heroic actions, or impart wisdom; they could be serious or humourous, and, though ostensibly based on historical events, they did not have to be proven real to be important. There is considerable overlap in world mythologies because myths began as an oral tradition. Storytellers embellished the tales (as good storytellers do), people migrated, and as civilizations integrated and collapsed, individual myths fused or were lost. Perhaps thanks to its nine lives, the cat endured; traversing time and cultures, the feline has remained a constant figure in world mythology. Archeological findings strongly suggest that early humans in the Upper Paleolithic Period, or Old Stone Age, a period extending from 35,000 to 8300 BC, were the progenitors of mythology, and lion-headed figurines played a prominent role in their spiritual beliefs. The oldest known animal-shaped sculpture is a lion-headed, human-bodied figurine known as Löwenmensch. Found in Hohlenstein Stadel cave in Germany, the statue was carved from mammoth ivory using a flint stone knife and dates to about 32,000 BC. Though we may no longer recognize it, our 21st century culture is replete with the remainder of ancient myths. The English language uses many words borrowed from Greek feline-based myths, including “chimera,” “sphinx,” and “Leo.” A chimera is an illusion of the mind or an unobtainable dream, as well as a genetic term meaning one organ or tissue with diverse genetic composition, like a grafted plant. We call a mysterious or enigmatic person a sphinx or refer to them as having sphinx-like traits. And the fifth sign of the zodiac in astrology? Leo. What do the three have in common? All are Greek mythological hybrid feline creatures; the Chimera, the Sphinx, and the Nemean Lion, or Leo, were pedigreed monster siblings from a fierce family that wreaked havoc on humans across the countryside with no Cat Daddy to call for help. Half snake and half woman, Echidna was their beastly mother. The sire of this part-feline brood was Typhon, a conglomeration of beasts boasting 1000 dragon heads with eyes that flashed fire, a human midsection covered in feathers and wings,
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Hercules and the Nemean Lion, c. 1550 Italian, 16th Century Engraving on laid paper Ellen von Seggern Richter and Jan Paul Richter Fund and Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
and a lower body comprised of vipers that hissed, sounding like a lion’s roar. In the stories surrounding these fearsome adversaries, it was human wisdom and intelligence (sometimes with the help of the gods) that saved the day from the ravages of this duo’s progeny. The fire-spitting Chimera had the body and head of a lion, a goat’s head on her back, and either a serpent’s or dragon’s hindquarters. Some accounts give her three lion heads and a goat’s body; in either version she was horrific. The Chimera terrorized Lycia (modern day Turkey), prompting the Lycian king, Iobates, to dispatch the human hero Bellerophon to slay the Chimera. To assist Bellerophon in his mission, the goddess Athena gifted him a charmed golden bridle and Pegasus, the winged horse. With Pegasus, he defeated the Chimera and exultantly returned home. Following family tradition, the intelligent flying Sphinx, with the head and shoulders of a woman, body of a lion, and wings of a bird, also terrorized humans—but she elevated the game. Perched on a rock near the city of Thebes, she haunted travelers going through the pass to Thebes, posing a riddle and bargaining that if they correctly answered it, they could pass; if they failed, she devoured them. Convinced by an oracle that the Sphinx would kill herself if someone correctly answered her riddle, King Creon offered his crown and the hand of his sister, Jocasta, to whoever could answer the Sphinx’s riddle: “What animal goes on four legs in
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the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?” As fate would have it, a young man named Oedipus solved the riddle. Oedipus had correctly realized it was an analogy of man’s life. A baby crawls in the morning on all fours, at noon an adult walks on two legs, and in the evening of life, an aged man walks with a cane—three legs. So distraught was she by a correct answer, Sphinx threw herself off her rocky perch to her death. Compared to his siblings, the Nemean Lion was relatively easy to defeat. Hera, Zeus’ wife, nurtured and trained the deep-voiced, flesh-eating lion, and settled him in the hills of Nemea where he roamed as king, plaguing man. The Greek hero Heracles had returned to his home of Tiryns to purify himself after murdering his wife and children. In absolution, he offered to serve King Eurystheus in fulfilling any given task. Thus, Eurystheus sent Heracles on 12 thought to be impossible missions, the first to slay the Nemean Lion. Armed with charmed arrows from Apollo and a bronze club, Heracles set out for the lion’s double entrance cave. The Nemean Lion, with characteristics of his parents, was near invincible with sharp claws stronger than metal and impenetrable skin that rendered the club and arrows useless. Despite this armory, the determined Heracles blocked one entrance of the cave, trapping the lion. The battle was epic. With his bare arms, Heracles strangled the lion then skinned the beast with his own razor sharp claws. Heracles lost a finger, but returned victorious, wearing the lion’s skin, a cloak that would serve as his protective shield in his upcoming trials. Though he had been defeated, the Nemean Lion’s strength had so impressed Zeus that he put the lion in the sky, forming the constellation Leo as a reminder that the Nemean Lion was the king of beasts. Heracles erected a tomb for his severed finger, marking it with a stone lion as a symbol of his power. Thus began the tradition of erecting stone lions not only at the tombs of people of stature, but also at the entrances to their palaces, temples, and other important places. The practice of protective stone lions standing guard is a concept widely seen in many cultures. The noble Chinese guardian lions, Shishi, meaning “stone lion,” date back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). The Shishi are always in pairs. The male (yang) rests his right paw on a carved sphere and guards the physical structure; the female (yin) rests her left paw on a cub, symbolizing the cycle of life. The guardian lions are found in other Asian cultures with variations on the theme of life and death.
I M A G E CO U RT E S Y N AT I O N A L G A L L E R Y O F A RT, W A S H I N GT O N
Whether lion, tiger, or tabby, in ancient Asian mythology, the cat’s primary role is that of guide and guardian of the human body and soul.
I M AG E © T H E M E T RO P O L I TA N M U SE U M O F A RT. I M AG E S O U RCE : A RT R ES O U RCE , N Y
Whether lion, tiger, or tabby, in ancient Asian mythology, the cat’s primary role is that of guide and guardian of the human body and soul. Domestic cats have their place along side the big cats in mythology, too. Legends from Thailand (Siam), Burma, and other Asian countries, have cats as the vessel that transports a monk’s or royal person’s soul to heaven after death. The concept, known as “transmigration of soul” is also found in Egypt. During the time period of AD 1350 to AD 1767, Siamese monks labouriously transcribed and illustrated a manuscript, Tamra Maew, or “Cat-Book Poems” or “Cat Treatises.” The work includes hundreds of pages chronicling their adoration of the temple cats. Originally from the royal Siamese city of Ayudha, today the manuscript resides in the National Library of Thailand in Bangkok. Important feline-human deities reign supreme in Asian mythology and these colourful tales beautifully explain religious beliefs from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The Hindu god Vishnu, “Preserver of the Universe,” descended to earth in the form of Narasimha, another lion-man figure, who restored order to earth when negative forces threatened it by ambushing the evil at dusk. Simhavaktra Dakini, the ferocious lion-faced guardian of Vajrayana Buddhism, is a female “skywalker” who guides human beings along the right path and removes physical hindrances and spiritual obstacles such as pride and ego. These are just some examples of the cat’s dominance in these endlessly fascinating and deeply complex world mythologies illustrating their society’s cultural and spiritual beliefs. Big cat or small, wild or domestic, the sovereign feline is intricately woven into the rich communal tapestry handed down from our most ancient ancestors. n
Oedipus and the Sphinx, c. 1864, Gustave Moreau French, 19th Century
Oil on canvas Moreau, a virtually unknown artist at the age of thirty-eight, triumphed at the Salon of 1864 with his interpretation of the myth of Oedipus and the Sphinx. This painting represents the moment when Oedipus confronts the winged monster outside Thebes and must solve her riddle to save his life as well as those of the besieged Thebans. Moreau’s choice of a mythological subject and his deliberately archaizing style distinguished his painting from the Realist and naturalist currents of the 1860s.
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MEET THE COVER CAT….
Introducing Little Bear
By Rose Frosek
Photographed byby Donnie Kelley Photographed Donnie Kelley
O
Allie O'Sullivan with Little Bear
“I WOULD LIKE TO RAISE AWARENESS SO THAT PEOPLE ARE CAREFUL WHEN BREEDING ANIMALS.”
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ur second Cover Cat competition drew thousands of entries, all of them terrifically cover-worthy. Pages of irresistible cats with personality-plus were seen strutting their stuff, ready to share their über-adorable and discerning selves with the world. From the cats-on-a-missioninterrupted to camera-seducing supermodel cats (they know they’re gorgeous), there were some seriously bright-eyed and bushy-tailed contenders. Though the competition was stiff, from amongst the legion one victor emerged, a little cat with a very sweet face and an indomitable spirit despite a disability—Little Bear. Garnering a whopping 56,000+ votes, this little cat won the hearts of many in his successful bid for the cover of this issue. We’re thrilled to have such a valiant little cat grace the cover and excited to share his inspirational story with you. Little Bear is what is sometimes referred to as a “squitten,” though there is nothing cute about the difficulties this condition causes. Born without radii in either of his front legs, he has what is known as radial agenesis, or failure of the radius bones to form, making it impossible for him to straighten his legs. But where others might see a disability, Little Bear’s person, Allie O’Sullivan, saw a kindred spirit. O’Sullivan has had some difficulties of her own, coping with a learning disability, so when she happened upon Little Bear at the NHSPCA animal shelter in Stratham, New Hampshire, in September 2012, it was kismet. “I’ve always wanted to give a special needs animal a great life,” O’Sullivan tells us. “When I am around animals, I am not self-conscious about my learning disability. I am able to be myself. However, when I am around special needs animals, it's a whole different feeling. I am the same as them, and we are equal. It gives me a sense of comfort and happiness.” Little Bear, with his severely deformed legs, was the only one from his litter yet to be adopted. Despite his setbacks, O’Sullivan went with her gut. “I had never, ever seen a cat like that,” O’Sullivan says. “He was so tiny, and he looked up at me with sad, droopy eyes. He had a look on his face, as if he was saying, ‘please take me home.’ I truly believe that I was put in that position at that exact time for a reason. Little Bear needed me, and I needed him.”
There’s no quittin’ for this kitten! LIKES INCL UD toys & E: being happy
“SPECIAL NEEDS ANIMALS MAKE GREAT COMPANIONS. THEY ARE SO INSPIRATIONAL.” O’Sullivan is determined to get Little Bear surgery to fuse his legs, which will allow him to walk on his paws. Thus far, she has raised an amazing $10,000 through the online auction of cat toys, crocheted scarves, cat-related things, and jewelry, some things she makes and others made by Little Bear supporters, which is enough to cover the cost of the surgery, estimated at $8,000 - $10,000, as well as some of the physical therapy that will follow. She happily reports she will be taking him to Tufts University within the next few months to have the procedure performed. Has she ever regretted taking on a cat with challenges? Not once. “I am so happy to have Little Bear in my life,” she tells us. “He changed me for the better. I am able to take on tasks that I never thought I was capable of because of my learning disability.” And as for his staunch supporters and cheerleaders? “I never thought he would have the amazing number of fans that he has,” O’Sullivan says. “Little Bear has renewed my faith in humanity. Everyone falls in love with him for the same reasons I fell in love with him. He has a great personality. He is always happy, and he loves to purr. He doesn't let his disability stop him from having fun.” n
Little Bear’s Favourite Pastime "He loves to play, and have fun. He loves to snuggle and give kisses. His favourite friend to play with is his best friend, Luna. Luna is a German Shepherd who thinks she is his mother. She chases him, and he attacks her. After they play, they cuddle."
A shout out to our runner-up cat, super-cutie Gracie K, who also won tons of hearts in the Cover Cat contest. Together these super-star cats accumulated over 100,000 votes!
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Your cat will collapse into a ball of happiness on this Eco Drop cat bed. Bonus: not only is it super-comfy, this eco-friendly bed's soft, lofty filling is 100% made from post-consumer recycled bottles. $80, westpawdesign.com
Finally there’s a way for our cats to jump on the recycled wood bandwagon thanks to the Bloq bed by Binq Design. With beach, natural, and regular frame finishes and myriad cushion colour options, there’s a Bloq to suit any home’s décor! From $400, modpetlife.com
Best Beds Terrific cat beds for your best pal
Sure to thrill your cat, this very cool and cozy cat teepee doubles as a playhouse with swinging pom poms and hanging feathers. Cats can even climb to the top or use the sides as a scratcher! $75, etsy.com/shop/PowWowMeow
These hand-felted 100% wool caves provide the perfect sanctuary for your lil fur ball. $59, etsy.com/shop/vaivanat
Sleepy Pod's foam-filled Crater Dot bed moulds to your cat's body, providing perfect cushioning for lavish lounging. Feeling generous? Add on the available warmer kit ($60) that slides into the pocket of the bed to make your kitty’s new favourite spot extra nice and toasty. $79, sleepypod.com
Handcrafted in unique fabrics, the Cat Ball is perfect for naptime, playtime, and anything in between! Curious kitties will love to poke their heads out, and it also acts as a cozy bed. From $69, thecatball.com
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Upgrade your cat’s sleeping situation with this breezy, eco-friendly bamboo Kitty Ball Bed. Your cat will love the elevated open ball design housing a luxuriously soft, plush cushion, perfect for cat naps. $149, therefinedfeline.com
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body &soul MAKE IT!
Cat Salad Cats Make Babies Healthier Study shows babies who grow up in a home with a cat are less likely to get sick A recent study has concluded that having pets in the house during a baby’s first year of life can help improve the infant’s immune system and decrease the number of respiratory infections and colds. The study, conducted in Finland, followed 397 babies through their first year of life. For 44 weeks the new moms recorded how often their babies had fevers, ear infections, rhinitis, coughs, wheezing, and if they needed antibiotics. The reports of those with a cat or a dog in the house were then compared to those without. Analysis found that children from homes with cats were six percent more likely to be healthy than those in cat-free families. (Children growing up in households with dogs fared even better; babies who lived with a dog were 31 percent more likely to be healthy in their first year than babies without a dog.) “We think the exposure to pets somehow matures the immune system so when the child meets the microbes, he might be better prepared for them,” says Dr. Eija Bergroth, a pediatrician at Kuopio University Hospital in Finland who led the study. The researchers further speculate that exposure to pets in infanthood may guard against development of allergies and asthma later in life. This study is one of the first to find cats have protective factors in infant health.—LL
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1
1 small carrot peeled and grated
1
¼ cup peeled and grated zucchini
1
½ cup chopped alfalfa sprouts
1
1 tsp. finely chopped parsley
1
⅛ cup chicken stock
1
¼ tsp dried or fresh catnip
In a cat/dog quandary?
body &soul
ASK DOG LADY by Monica Collins
Can’t we all just get along? Dog + cats at a family gathering
Q
Dear Dog Lady, I thought you look like the person to ask! I’m trying to get my dog and my family’s two cats to get along. The last time they were in the same house, they had a peeing contest on the family living room rug when no one was looking. As you can imagine, this did not go over well. I’m trying to figure out a way to ensure they’ll get along better (and not pee on the new rug) if I bring my dog Picnic, an otherwise amiable sort, over. Do you have any advice? Or, do you know anyone else I can ask?—Becca
A
Sometimes you see cute pictures on the Web and hear stories of cats and dogs chummy like in a Disney film; other times, they snarl up a storm. You don’t exactly say the two cats and Picnic fought. Sounds like they did a pee dance a trois. This isn’t exactly a bad thing. They were all marking territory, setting boundaries, and getting the olfactory lay of the land. When you visit, keep your dog under your control and in your field of vision. The cats own the house; your dog doesn’t. He is the variable in this cats + dog equation. No reason if Picnic is under your control that the family animals can’t get along. But you must supervise.
WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?
Chirping Cats Many cats "chirp," creating a chattering sort of sound, especially when watching birds or squirrels outside their windows. Behaviourists believe that these sounds are driven by cats’ unquenchable hunting drive. The sound is generated through the contraction of jaws and teeth and may be accompanied by a small meow. Experts are not precisely sure of the function of the chirping sound, but some theorize that it is meant to reassure prey whilst preparing for a killing bite. Others think that the cat is expressing frustration at being unable to catch that tempting songbird. Remember that your sweet housecat is in actuality a hunting machine; be sure to have a rotation of toys to help satisfy the need to hunt.—JH
CAT FACT
Did you know? Just one unspayed cat and her offspring can produce up to 450,000 kittens in just seven years.
Write questions or comments to askdoglady@gmail.com; read more at askdoglady.com or facebook.com/askdoglady.
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body &soul 10 SIGNS OF CANCER By Dr. Gerald S. Post
Sadly, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in cats and dogs. Over six million cases of feline cancer are diagnosed per year in the U.S. alone. Early detection is key to effective treatment, so we had Dr. Gerald S. Post, a veterinary oncologist at the Veterinary Cancer Center, the world’s largest cancer center for pets, outline the 10 most common warning signs. If you do note any of the below afflicting your cat or dog, don’t panic— these are potential warning signs, not a diagnosis—but do visit your veterinarian.
1. SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES These “glands” are located all throughout the body but are most easily detected behind the jaw or behind the knee. When these lymph nodes are enlarged they can suggest a common form of cancer called lymphoma. A biopsy or cytology of these enlarged lymph nodes can aid in the diagnosis.
2. AN ENLARGING OR CHANGING LUMP Any lump on a pet that is rapidly growing or changing in texture or shape should have a biopsy. Lumps belong in biopsy jars, not on pets.
3. ABDOMINAL DISTENSION When the “stomach” or belly becomes rapidly enlarged, this may suggest a mass or tumor in the abdomen or it may indicate some bleeding that is occurring in this area. A radiograph or an ultrasound of the abdomen can be very useful.
4. CHRONIC WEIGHT LOSS When a pet is losing weight and you have not put your pet on a diet, you should have your pet checked. This sign is not diagnostic for cancer, but can indicate that something is wrong. Many cancer patients have weight loss.
5. CHRONIC VOMITING OR DIARRHEA Unexplained vomiting or diarrhea should prompt further investigation. Often tumors of the gastrointestinal tract can cause chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea. Radiographs, ultrasound examinations and endoscopy are useful diagnostic tools when this occurs.
6. UNEXPLAINED BLEEDING Bleeding from the mouth, nose,
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genitalia or gums that is not due to trauma should be examined. Although bleeding disorders do occur in pets, they usually are discovered while pets are young. If unexplained bleeding starts when a pet is old, a thorough search should be undertaken.
7. COUGH A dry, non-productive cough in an older pet should prompt chest radiographs to be taken. This type of cough is the most common sign of lung cancer. Please remember there are many causes of cough in dogs and cats.
8. LAMENESS Unexplained lameness (especially in large or giant breed dogs) is a very common sign of bone cancer. Radiographs of the affected area are useful for detecting cancer of the bone.
9. STRAINING TO URINATE Straining to urinate and blood in the urine usually indicate a common urinary tract infection; if the straining and bleeding are not rapidly controlled with antibiotics or are recurrent, cancer of the bladder may be the underlying cause. Cystoscopy or other techniques that allow a veterinarian to take a biopsy of the bladder are useful and sometimes necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis in these cases.
10. ORAL ODOUR Oral tumors do occur in pets and can cause a pet to change its food preference (from hard to soft foods) or cause a pet to change the manner in which it chews his food. Many times a foul odour can be detected in pets with oral tumors. A thorough oral examination with radiographs or CT scan, necessitating sedation, is often necessary to determine the cause of the problem. n
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SMART FOOD Living longer, getting stronger: how to optimize your cat’s health By Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott
W
ant your cat to maintain her kittenish traits well into her senior years? Here’s how to tailor your senior cat’s diet to ensure she’s as spry and sprightly on her 14th birthday as she was on her first. The senior years can be a wonderful time for cats (all those naps in rays of sunshine!), especially if we maximize their health through smart strategies surrounding nutrition. If your senior is starting to show some of the common signs of aging, perhaps experiencing some challenges surrounding mobility, appetite, skin and coat, changes in weight, or mental alertness, give her a little nutritional boost by tailoring her diet and supplements to her specific needs.
Choosing a Food for Your Senior Cat
It’s best to start with a visit to your
It’s time to re-evaluate what you are feeding your cat when she begins to show vet before changing your cat’s diet signs of aging. The average lifespan for a cat is 14 - 17 years and cats are typifor medical reasons. Informing your cally considered seniors when they reach 10 years of age. Just like people, senior vet of changes that you see in your cats have different nutrient requirements than their younger, more active counaging cat helps catch problems terparts. Older cats are more prone to diseases like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, early and allows for treatment. For kidney failure, cancer, and urinary tract crystals, and while diet alone may not example, a cat who stops eating her prevent disease from developing, it can certainly help ward it off or fight it. food may be suffering from dental First off, a senior cat requires fewer daily calories. Many of the commercially problems, while a change in litter available foods designed specifically for senior cats are lower in calories to help box habits can signal a more serious keep your cat in good shape. Extra weight is hard on cats, particularly seniors, health issue. Ruling out the medical and exacerbates all manner of existing conditions—or causes them! Secondly, issues first is always good practice. cats do best on foods that are high in moisture (canned or homemade) as they typically do not consume enough water (the old adage holds true!). Kibble is, however, better at keeping teeth clean, so give your cat a bit of kibble as a treat or add it into their dinner; that, coupled with regular teeth brushing, will help to maintain their dental health.
Changes in Body Weight: Gain vs. Loss Keeping your cat at a healthy weight has a big impact on her overall health. Excess weight puts extra strain on a cat’s body, can contribute to a decrease in immune function, and is hard on their organs. Cats that are too thin can have similar problems. Without any body reserves they may have poor skin and coat, immunity problems, and very little buffer if they do become sick. Fortunately, our cats’ weight is one of the few things we as guardians have control over. You can limit portion size for the chubby feline, and provide more moderncat.com
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Cats are typically considered seniors when they reach 10 years of age. tempting fare for the too thin. A decrease in a cat’s sense of smell, something that happens to many animals as they age, may result in eating less. For an underweight cat, try warming his food, or adding a small amount of stinky stuff like fish oil to help entice the too thin cat to eat. Provided your cat is not ill, a decrease in his appetite may be the result of bad teeth. Broken, worn down, or infected teeth or gum disease can make eating unpleasant for cats. If you suspect this is the case, book an appointment with your vet. Veterinary dentistry is quite advanced and can help to make your cat more comfortable. As your senior starts to slow down, you may find that he doesn’t need as much food at he once did. Keep an eye on your cat’s body condition and adjust his portion size as needed. As cats age, their digestive tracts can lose some of their function. As a result, food that your cat was once doing well on can prove less digestible now that she is older. For starters, avoid foods containing by-product meals as they can be less digestible. Also, senior cats require more protein than younger cats, so choose a senior cat food with high quality digestible protein sources, such as chicken meal, fish meal, turkey meal or beef meal. Avoid “meat meal;” good quality foods identify their protein sources—no mystery meats for our cats! Though there has been some concern that geriatric cats should not consume high protein cat foods because of the theoretical risk of high dietary protein causing kidney damage, there is no evidence to support this concern in healthy older cats. That said, many geriatric cats often have underlying kidney problems, so consult your veterinarian before switching to a higher Cold Laser: Tackling Aches protein diet as a high protein diet and Pains and Increasing could exacerbate an existing condiMobility Veterinary use of cold tion. Once given the all clear, switch laser is becoming increasingly to the high protein diet.
common. Cold laser reduces inflammation and improves blood flow to the area. This in turn improves mobility and decreases pain. Talk to your veterinarian about whether they have cold laser available.
L-Carnitine
Carnitine is an amino acid that is required for fat metabolism, as Dr. Oz devotees will know. Under normal conditions, cats do not require carnitine supplemented in their diet, but as cats age or if they are prone to obesity, they may develop a requirement for this amino acid. As such, many cat foods already have carnitine in their formulations. If you are feeding a homemade diet, you can add carnitine to your cat’s diet, 15mg capsule for every cup of food.
Mobility, Arthritis, and Pain Relief An often overlooked challenge facing geriatric cats is a loss of mobility. It can prove to be a vicious cycle: loss of mobility leads to weight gain which then results in greater loss of mobility. This is a very difficult cycle to break. The loss in mobility could be
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due to joint pain, loss of muscle mass or increased body fat. Since cats don’t get the same type of exercise that dogs do, it may more difficult to spot a loss in mobility. Look for signs such as sleepiness, less play or activity, irritability when handled, or loss of good litter box habits. If your cat has arthritis, there are several things that you can do to help. The first step is a pain management consultation with your veterinarian. There are some veterinary arthritis pain management options available to our cats that can help greatly. But it’s important to note that cats cannot take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory), such as Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen) or aspirin without careful veterinary supervision. These drugs can cause serious life threatening side effects in cats. The second step is to consider feeding your cat one of the many nutritional supplements that have been shown to help reduce pain and increase mobility such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and green lipped mussel. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3’s are a wonder supplement because they reduce inflammation. Inflammation is what causes pain and swelling, which in turn reduces mobility for our cats. There are
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Consider feeding your cat one of the many nutritional supplements that have been shown to help reduce pain and increase mobility such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and green lipped mussel. some joint supplements that contain high omega-3 fatty acids, but you can also supplement your cat’s diet with fish oil or sustainable marine algae-derived omega-3s such as DHA Gold (dhagold.com) mixed directly into their food. Glucosamine & Chondroitin Glucosamine and chondroitin were thought to be very good supplements for relieving arthritis pain and increasing mobility, however, over the test of time, research has suggested that they are very poorly bioavailable to the body. As a result, glucosamine and chondroitin are better used as injectable rather than dietary supplements. There are injectable products on the market that have been proven to be very beneficial in increasing mobility in dogs and horses that may have benefits for cats as well; your veterinarian should be able to advise you on what is available in your area. If you would like to use a dietary supplement, oral glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are considered safe. Glycoflex (Vetri-Science) and Cosequin (Nutramax Laboratories) are both good supplements. Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) GLM is a natural product that has been clinically proven to improve mobility in dogs, and is something that may be equally effective for cats. GLM contains omega-3 fatty acids and is thought to contain other antioxidants as well as glucosamine. The dose of GLM should make up 0.3 percent of your cat’s normal food (or about 0.3g GLM/cup of cat food). Many joint supplements already contain GLM and are available from your veterinarian or online pharmacies. Be aware that many of the supplements that are sold in pet food stores do not contain enough of the active ingredients to prove effective, so read the label carefully and be prepared to do your homework before buying supplements.
Skin and Coat Health/Hair Loss Hair loss or changes in skin and coat are often a normal part of aging. As the skin ages it produces less oil so your cat’s coat may appear dry and flaky. Changes in coat condition can also be the result of your cat not grooming as much as he used to when younger. You may need to groom your cats a little more as they age; this will help to stimulate the oil glands, encourage
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new skin cells to grow, and take out old dead hair. To keep your senior’s skin and coat in top condition, make sure that your cat consumes enough omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve the
Is it Worth the Money?
Many of the supplements mentioned in this article are available in a palatable treat form, but read the label carefully to check that any “functional” treats you’re considering buying contains an appropriate amount of the active ingredient. Treats or food may contain helpful supplements, but at levels much lower than needed in order to derive benefit from them. integrity of skin and reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fat can be found in trout and salmon. Mackerel and herring are also very good sources but they are higher in mercury than farm-raised fish. Other sources of omega-3 fat include fish oil capsules, flax oil or flax meal, and walnuts. Dry flaky skin can also be a sign of disease, so if you haven’t taken your cat to the vet for a check-up in the past year it might be time to make an appointment. Vitamin E can also be very beneficial to skin health. Do note that the body can store large amounts of Vitamin E so it is important not to over supplement. Safer is to add dietary sources of Vitamin E; wheat germ and corn contain the highest amounts of Vitamin E but other good sources include peanuts, eggs, fish (many fish oil capsules contain added Vitamin E), and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; play around with adding tidbits of these to your cat’s dinner.
Dietary Help For Chronic Disease Conditions As cats age they are prone to developing kidney problems, hyperthyroidism, and type 2 diabetes. These diseases are medical conditions and need a proper diagnosis from your veterinarian before making decisions about feeding cats with these conditions.
Diets for Kidney Disease The kidneys are responsible for a number of vital functions. If the kidneys start to fail, these functions are no longer performed. Signs you may see in a cat with kidney disease include increased trips to the litter box, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and
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increased water intake. There are diets available from your veterinarian that can help limit the amount of work the kidneys have to do as well as correct some of the imbalances caused by the failing kidney. Diets designed for the management of kidney disease are low in protein, have a low level of phosphorus, and an increased level of calcium-soluble fibre and fat. Adjusting the levels of these nutrients eases the work load on the kidneys. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland over produces thyroid hormone, causing hyperactivity, weight loss, loss of litter box habits, diarrhea, excessive water intake and urination, and increased heart rate. There are many treatments for hypothyroidism, including simply managing the condition by diet change alone, though this approach requires the cat NOT to go outside nor consume any treats that contain iodine. Feeding a diet with less iodine decreases the amount of hormone produced by the thyroid and therefore reduces the symptoms of the disease. Veterinary Diet Y/D is the only diet on the market clinically proven to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. It contains very little Iodine, which is normally required by dogs and cats—just not hyperthyroid ones.
Diets for Diabetes Older, overweight cats often have diabetes. The number one thing you can do to help a diabetic cat is to help them lose weight. Initiating weight loss in cats is challenging but it will help your cat live a longer, healthier life. Using food puzzles and changing your cat’s diet can help with achieving weight loss goals. It is very important that cats do not go on a starvation diet; cats (especially chubby ones) are prone to developing fatty liver, a life threatening disease that can occur when an overweight cat does not eat for a couple of days. Cats must eat at least once every 24 hours in order to prevent fatty liver. Further complicating matters is that cats faced with sudden diet change often refuse to eat, thus risking fatty liver, so go slowly. Offer the new food separately from old food (in a different dish) and gradually reduce the serving size of the old food. Diets designed for managing diabetes have higher protein and fiber and limited sources of starch to keep the glycemic index of the food low. These diets also have chromium added to the diets, which helps normalize blood glucose. Cats tend to like these foods so it shouldn’t be hard to switch to a diabetic diet. Remember, as with humans, the key to successful management of diabetes is diet control (including portion), exercise (use food puzzles), and medical monitoring of blood sugar.
Changes in Cognitive Function Just like people, cats can experience age-related changes in brain function. The signs of cognitive dysfunction tend to occur after 10 years of age and can include changes in sleep patterns (ie sleeping more or less or at different times), vocalization (meowing or yowling loudly in the middle of the night); disorientation (getting lost in the house or outside), lack of interest (in play
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Research has shown that keeping your cat mentally and physically stimulated through exercise and training—even just placing the food bowl in different places—also contributes to keeping them in top physical shape. Combining mental stimulation and exercise with a good diet and appropriate supplements will put a bounce in your senior cat’s step.
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The number one thing you can do to help a diabetic cat is to help them lose weight.
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You can’t go wrong with adding omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to your cat’s diet. or people), staring off into space, or changes in litter box habits. Many of these changes can be attributed to chronic disease so it is important to get your cat to the vet for a diagnosis of feline cognitive dysfunction. Unfortunately, there has been less research into feline cognitive dysfunction than canine cognitive dysfunction, but if we borrow from canine research, increasing the amount of antioxidants that your cat is consuming may help. Additionally, feeding your cat a little extra salmon, herring or mackerel to increase the amount of Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids they consume may prove beneficial. Your veterinarian can provide you with more information on feline cognitive dysfunction. Some helpful online resources include: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/ fhc/healthinfo/CognitiveDysfunction.cfm or vetstream.com/felis/ Content/Disease/dis60684
Eyesight As cats age, they can develop cataracts and experience changes in eyesight. Your vet can tell you whether your cat has any of these changes in their eyes. There are surgical options for treating cataracts as well as some easy things we can do that may help prevent or slow the progression of age-related changes in eyesight. In humans it is thought that prolonged, continued exposure (i.e. years) to direct sunlight can contribute to cataract formation, so if your house gets a lot of direct sunlight all day long then limiting the amount of sunbathing your cat does per
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day may help prevent cataracts. Increasing the amount of lutein, a naturally occurring carotenoid, in your cat’s diet may also be helpful. Lutein is found in green leafy vegetables (kale, collards, spinach), egg yolks, and corn, and has been found to improve eyesight in humans, so it may be helpful in preventing eyesight problems in cats. In general, you can’t go wrong with adding omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to your senior cat’s diet. A good fish oil supplement and the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables can definitely have a favourable effect on your senior cat’s health. Felines are notoriously fussy eaters so endeavouring to find the fruits and veggies your cat enjoys may prove frustrating, but it is worth the effort. Being persistent and offering little pieces of new foods to your cat can pay off in the long run. Often you’ll have to try introducing the new food several times before your cat decides to eat it. The best time to try out new foods? When your cat is hungry! Like us, a hungry cat is more motivated to try new things. Colourful fruits and veggies are likely to have the most benefits, so try introducing blueberries, raspberries, spinach, carrots, and tomatoes, but be careful not to upset your cat’s stomach with these additions; go slowly, trying out just a bit at a time until you find fruits and vegetables that your cat enjoys and tolerates. Just make sure the extras don’t make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s diet; remember, it doesn’t take much to make a difference for them! Go forth in good health. n
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HAIRBALL chews promote healthy skin and hair in cats.
Epi-Pet’s unscented Enrichment Skin & Coat Sprays provide relief from excessive shedding, odour, itching, and irritation, helping both dry and oily
This breakthrough ingredient combination supports skin tone, hydration, follicle strength, and even G.I. tract health. What more could your cat want from a supplement than a delicious soft chew with factors like pysllium and Omegas 3 and 6? Cranberry for supporting urinary tract health? HAIRBALL has that, too. petnaturals.com
skin. When used on a daily basis with a brush, they also help reduce hairballs and repel insects. This spray is safe to use on the entire body of your cat. Safe for all ages of felines. epi-pet.com
Catpods’ line of eco-friendly furniture is non toxic, 100% recyclable, and lasts for years. Proudly handcrafted in the USA, these unique cardboard scratchers are multipurpose and designed to simulate a feline’s natural scratching choice, trees! The Original Catpods feature three peepholes on either side to arouse your cat’s inquisitive mind. Get to know the whole line at catpods.com
Do you have a cat that should be white? Espree has the answer with their award-winning Bright White Cat Shampoo. Natural optical brighteners remove dirt and stubborn stains to reveal a beautiful bright coat. Available in 12oz. espree.com
Jump into spring with Fromm Family Foods two new Four Star Nutritionals grain-free entrees, Game Bird Recipe and Salmon Tunachovy for cats! Game Bird is a mouth-watering recipe of duck, turkey, quail, and pheasant with real Wisconsin cheese and fresh fruits and vegetables, while Salmon Tunachovy is a blend of wild salmon, tuna, and anchovy with Mediterranean fruits and vegetables. frommfamily.com
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Use these wooden, painted cat clothespins to showcase photos, highlight memos or, heck, even to pin up your clothes. The choice is yours. omoionline.com
$29
The folks at Cat Crib have come up with a smart solution for small spaces—the Cat Crib! A nice, cozy little hammock, it let’s your cat nestle right beneath your chair. Warning: watching kitty nap in the Cat Crib will make you want a hammock of your own! catcrib.com
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Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, Sweet Pickles’ Designs collars all feature breakaway safety buckles and are available in an array of lovely patterns. Our pick for spring? This Marimekko-reminiscent Daisy collar. Love it! sweetpicklesdesigns.com
$10
Cats love grass and this garden-in-abag makes growing your own organic cat grass as easy as pie! Cat grass, also known as wheat grass, is a power house of essential vitamins and minerals. Rich in chlorophyll, it serves as an natural antibiotic, breath and body deodorizer, and detoxifier to maximize your kitty’s health! pottingshedcreations.com
$10
Fast food without the guilt! Value meal: this funny catnip-filled cotton hamburger toy is a steal. kennelkouture.mybigcommerce.com
$48
How amazing is this hat for cats? Your cat will be a veritable Robin Hood in this handcrafted Prince of Thieves inspired chapeau. etsy.com/shop/ToScarboroughFair
$10
USDA certified hormonefree white meat chicken is gently steamed, sliced, then freeze-dried to perfection in these irresistible low-fat cat treats. wholelifepet.com
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HOW I MET MY CAT
mee tr! e Park
A cat of few words By Pat Kolberg
W
hen I asked Parker if I should tell his story, he answered “rrmff.” In his kitty language, that meant yes. Parker is a cat who speaks only in consonants, not vowels. His “rrmff” is the answer to the questions “Do you want to go out?” or ”Do you want to go for a hike?” He is a cat of few words, but I understand them, and this is our story. I went to the animal control facility with a heavy heart, not ready to adopt a new best friend, but at my husband’s urging, willing to look. I had lost my best friend just weeks before and was still grieving his absence. As I looked at the cats in cages, all of them hoping to be the one to go to a new forever home, my heart sank even deeper. I wanted to take them all. Over in the corner, one cat, a young male of about nine months caught my eye. He appeared to have the biggest nose ever seen on a cat. Now, I have a large nose, so we already had something in common. This boy was a maniac, going to the top of his climbing pole in the colony room, feet flying, tail swinging, looking more like a monkey than a cat. Although attracted to his unusual look, I told my husband: this guy has way too much energy for us. He’ll climb the walls of our house, shredding curtains, sending objects flying. No way would he sit still enough to snuggle. So I chose another cat and sat with her on my lap. She seemed nice enough, but didn’t speak to me. It is a test all cats must pass to become part of my home; they have to speak to my heart and I didn’t feel the quiet words that I know meant it would be right. I kept trying to feel it, walking around with my new friend, but when she hissed and growled at other cats I knew it wouldn’t work. I needed to find a cat who would get along with Leo, our big furry boy at home. And so I found myself back to the interesting looking boy in the corner, now sitting at the very highest point of that cat tree he was so energetically climbing minutes ago. There was a sign on his cage that said “free hugs.” Boy was I in need of one of those.
I washed my hands, gowned up, and went in. Dimitri—that was his kennel name—came right up to me. I put out my hand and let him sniff me. Too many people just try to pat a cat on the head when you have to introduce yourself first. Dimitri sniffed and rubbed on my hand. I stroked him a little, then picked him up. Both front paws wrapped around my neck, and there it was, the free hug. I melted, and I heard that little voice whisper to my heart: take me. That was it—I was in love. I walked around with my new little boy, his paws wrapped around my neck like a new black and white scarf. We learned Dimitri had been found in a field and turned into the emergency clinic by a good Samaritan. Who could have put such a sweet kitten into the cold and wet that is an Oregon winter night? Our boy, as we now called him, had come down with such a severe upper respiratory infection that he almost didn’t survive. He didn’t eat for a week and the staff was ready to euthanize him, but because of his sweet nature they decided to give him another 48 hours to turn the corner. Miraculously, he did, and we found him the first day he was put back out for adoption. Did I tell you I work for a vet? Well, when the shelter people found that out, they were thrilled; it was kismet. This boy would need special attention his whole life to keep him healthy as that initial infection had destroyed the inner workings of his little nose. Two years later and Dimitri, now named Parker, is that wonderful snuggler I was looking for. His nose is a normal size, by the way. It is his colouring that gives it a larger than normal look. Parker travels with us and actually loves to go hiking on a leash, leading the way down the trail looking for his next adventure. He seems to love water and we joke he was a ship cat in a former life. I have found all my loving furry friends at our local animal shelter. Each one has been special in their own way, but somehow, Parker has been the most special of all. Those free hugs, he’s still giving them out. “Rrmff.” n
Share your story. Email submissions for “How I Met My Cat” to lastlick@moderncat.com.
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This quirky camera has magnets in its feet, allowing you to attach it to any metal object in any position, making it truly cat-like! Designed by Japan-based designer Lisa Larson, the Necono camera is a bare bones point-and-shoot that’s compact and fun to use, capturing artsy photos and videos. ($149, superheadz.com)
Our cats go crazy for Bonito Flakes, tasty bits of completely natural, additive-free fish. High in protein but low in calories and fat, these treats are an especially good choice for heftier cats. $8, catmandoo.biz
Stop whisker stress with the curved Lordly Puss bowl, part of Felli Pet’s Obliq Collection. This non-sliding beauty is available in blue, pink or grey. $36, fellipet.com
COOL CAT Fab finds for your feline
We love this scratcher blending natural materials with clean lines. The handsome solid wood frame houses a natural sisal scratching surface on which your feline friends will love to chisel their claws. Change the positioning from angled to flat to suit your cats’ different moods! ($79, solvitproducts.com)
Never scoop again! The revolutionary Litter-Robot features a cat activated automatic sifting system that separates clumps and drops them into a bottom drawer for easy bagged disposal. This means cleaner paws for kitty and no more odour for you! From $340, litter-robot.com
Party pants. Stuff some of the sweet herb—that would be a fantastically fragrant Zoom Stuffers organic catnip pod—into the pouch of this toy and let the party begin! $5, fatcatinc.com
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Put a spring in your mighty hunter’s step with these excellent fishing-pole-style cat toys. Our cats go wild and crazy for Neko Flies’ “Katarantula” toy. $17, nekoflies.com
Get a tiger for your cat! Imperial Cat’s eco-friendly scratchers are made in the USA from 100% recycled paper and come in a variety of shapes and sizes that will have your kitty feeling like the king of the jungle. $90, imperialcat.com
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BAD ROMANCE
9 Foods to Never Give to Your Cat By Lori-Lee Emshey
1. Chocolate
5. Yeast dough
2. Onion
6. Grapes & raisins
Chocolate contains Theobromine, which is toxic to cats, even in small amounts, as well as caffeine, another no-no.
Onions contain N-propyl disulphide which causes anemia and, thereby, jaundice (yellow discolouration in lips and eyelids, as well as skin in light-skinned cats). A toxic dose for the average cat would be a couple slices, so watch those onions!
3. Uncooked potatoes & tomatoes Both these plants come from the deadly nightshade family. Eaten raw, they are likely to cause cats gastrointestinal distress. Cooked tomatoes and potatoes, however, have no toxic effects. (Eating green potatoes, cooked or not, can cause cardiac issues, hallucinations and paralysis, but as they are bitter this is not likely to be an issue.)
4. Milk & milk products
As kittens, cats can drink cow’s milk, but as they grow up cats become intolerant to lactose, a sugar found in cow’s milk, and can no longer digest dairy products. Even a few laps of milk or a tidbit of cheese can cause gastrointestinal pain and diarrhea in adult cats. Lactose-free milk or live culture yogurt, however, can be given at any age.
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The ingestion of yeast dough can cause severe abdominal pain, intestinal rupture, and even alcohol poisoning as the dough rises and expands and the yeast ferments.
Grapes and raisins may cause kidney failure, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats.
7. Caffeine & alcohol
This one may seem obvious, and chances are these beverages would never end up in a cat dish, but if a curious cat were to lap the dregs out of a coffee cup or get into an open saucepan of penne vodka sauce, the consequences would likely be fatal as there is no cure for caffeine or alcohol poisoning in cats. Three tablespoons of 40 percent liquor is enough to prove deadly.
8. Garlic & chives
Like onions, garlic and chives can also cause anemia and gastrointestinal problems in cats. In small amounts, chives are sometimes included in commercial cat food. While this may not be enough to cause problems, don’t let your cat mistake your window box of chives for a planter of cat grass.
9. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in candy, gum, and even some toothpastes. Xylitol will produce seizures in cats soon after ingestion and liver failure a day or so after, so keep your gum out of kitty’s grasp. n
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craft D.I.Y.
Menswear Mouse Toy
Treat your kitty to a game of cat and mouse with these dapper DIY toys. Our favourite cat-loving domestic maven, Martha Stewart, shares the how-to for these tweedy playthings. There’s no mistaking these critters for the real thing—they’re constructed from brightly coloured suiting and shirting fabric.
cat+ e mous =fun
TOOLS AND MATERIALS •
Assorted menswear fabrics, such as wool suiting, cotton shirting, corduroy, and cotton velvet
PHOTO BY DANA GALLAGHER. COURTESY OF MARTHA STEWART LIVING. COPYRIGHT ©2010
•
Iron
•
Fusible webbing
•
Sewing machine and sewing supplies
•
Loop turner
•
Fill
•
Embroidery floss
•
Embroidery needle
•
Mouse Template (Get the template at: moderncat.com/mousetemplate)
DIRECTIONS 1.
Print the pattern pieces and cut out. Using the pattern as a guide, cut out one bottom piece and one side piece from the same or different fabric. Flip pattern and cut out another side piece. For a tail, cut a 1-by-4 inch strip on the bias. For ears, adhere two different fabrics together using iron and fusible webbing, following manufacturer’s instructions. Using the pattern, cut out ears from fused fabric.
2.
Fold tail in half lengthwise, right sides facing; stitch with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving ends open. Turn tail right side out using loop turner. Pin body pieces together, right sides facing; stitch with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving a 1 inch opening at the back.
3.
Turn body right side out, and stuff with fill. Insert tail into opening; slipstitch closed. Knot end of tail.
4.
Fold ears in half and attach to body with small hand stitches. Mark placement of eyes with pins, and then embroider eyes and nose using backstitches.
Martha has four cats, Bartok and Vivaldi, both Himalayans, as well as Persian Calicos Empress Tang (pictured left) and Princess Peony.
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PHOTO SCOTT DUNCAN
PET PROJECT
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PET PROJECT
eat D.I.Y.
Get into Summer!
DIY Frozen Cat Treats By Dana Fox
We can’t forget about our little friends this summer. They enjoy the sunshine just as much as we do, but unfortunately they can get heated pretty quickly. Why not cool them down with some easy to make frozen treats? Your cat will love you a million times more once he gets his paws on this yummy delicacy. (Your dog friends will love them too.)
WHAT YOU WILL NEED •
An ice cube tray
•
Can of water-packed tuna (alternately, you can use canned salmon)
•
Approximately ½ c water
•
A mixing bowl or Magic Bullet
•
A Ziploc bag
1.
Start by mashing up the tuna in your bowl or stuffing it into your food mixer. Don’t drain the tuna water as it helps with the freezing. Add about half a cup of water to the mix.
2.
Then mix up that tuna! I used my Magic Bullet because, really, it’s my go-to kitchen appliance and takes 10 seconds. Yum... doesn’t that just look delicious?
3.
Fill your Ziploc bag with the mix and cut a small hole in one end. This helps save you from making a huge mess while filling up the ice cube trays. Fill your trays and place in the freezer for a couple hours. Let cats lick the bowl.
4.
When the treats are nice and frozen, you can pop them out and let cats have a taste! I recommend letting them chew on these on a tile floor or a plate, because I’m pretty sure you don’t want tuna bits all over your house. You can store these in a plastic bag in your freezer for up to six months, so if you make a bunch you’ll have some on hand for hot days!
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
q For more of all kinds of wonderfulness, from style to design to life, check out Dana’s blog, thewonderforest.com.
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10 WAYS
You Can Help Shelter Cats Interested in volunteering some of your time and talents, but simply don’t know where to get started? We’ve got a few fun, easy-to-implement ideas to get the ball rolling! By Rose Frosek
a donation box out in 1 Put your office
for gently used collars, cat toys, towels, and other pet items, as well as any new-item donations your coworkers care to make. At the end of two weeks, drop off the donation at your local shelter or rescue group. We guarantee they’ll be thrilled.
2 Share through social media,
Check out Petfinder.com and share an adoptable cat in your area through your Facebook and/or Twitter account. Even if you’re not directly responsible for finding that cat a home, it helps remind people of all the wonderful animals out there in need of a home. Even better? Vow to share an adoptable cat once a week. Or are you a marketing/social media wiz and want to make a slightly larger commitment? Reach out to a local rescue group (breed specific if you have a passion for a particular breed) and volunteer to manage their social media efforts or write the profiles for their adoptable cats. Words are powerful and a descriptive entry accurately and compellingly “selling” the cats can help them stand out and find a home.
decent (or down right 3 Have great) photography skills? Volunteer to take photos of the cats up for adoption at your local shelter. It is amazing what a good photo can do to help boost the odds of adoption. Don’t worry if you’re not a professional photographer. Compared to a dismal kennel shot, any decent photo is a vast improvement and an immense help.
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a Knitting/Crochet/ 4 Start Blanket-Making Circle. Shelters are almost universally in need of blankets to cozy up their cages and provide a bit of comfort to the cats they’re housing. Not down with the knitting needles? Purchase fleece from a discount remnant fabric store and cut it into 3’ x 3’ squares. And voilà, instant blanket! To get fancy on it, tassel the edges by cutting a fringed edge. Fast, cheap, but still cozy.
5 Bottle Drive.
Help your local cash-strapped rescue continue doing their good work by collecting the returnable bottles from your condo/apartment building/office and donating the redeemed deposit to a rescue group. Simply put out a bin to collect the bottles (if you’re in a condo, check with your strata first) and put up a sign noting what rescue the bottle deposit will be donated to. Increase your haul by spreading the word in advance—employ your office photocopier to make flyers explaining your fundraising effort. You can amass a couple hundred dollars in bottles amazingly quickly.
6
Feeling crafty? Make quick and easy little toys. Shelter workers attest that the presence of some flare (a nice collar or cute toy) can garner a cat the attention he needs to find his forever home. Studies have shown that allblack pets have trouble standing out and are often overlooked in shelters. Black cats also carry the additional burden of being thought by some to be bad luck, thanks to unfortunate superstition. Fight “black cat syndrome,” as it’s known, by making fun little colourful toys to jazz up the cage of a black cat. Get some inexpensive coloured cotton twill and cut it into a small square of approximately 7 x 7 inches. No need to finish the edges. Tuck a little cat nip into the center, tie closed with a bit of string, and voilà, you have a something fun and colourful to draw attention to one of the many black cats in search of their forever homes. Drop off your handiwork at your municipal animal shelter. It’s a perfect Saturday activity, and one that kids can get involved with, too.
7 Play With Cats.
Volunteer to play and cuddle with the cats or help clean up. Volunteer help is greatly needed in many overcrowded shelters and your smiling face can make a big difference to both the morale of the cats and the staff.
8 Toy Drive.
The next time you’re having a big get-together, like a block party or your annual open house or summer BBQ, suggest your guests bring a toy to donate to homeless animals, if they feel so inclined. It’s a great way to do some good while you’re socializing and most people are more than happy to contribute a little something as it feels good, costs hardly a thing, and takes hardly any effort.
9 One word: Cakewalk.
This is great fun at a larger fundraising event. Get your friends, neighbours, church group or book club in on it, and prepare to have a ball. Nostalgia, baking, and the fun of decorating your masterpiece, plus a charitable component? What could be better? For those unfamiliar with how a cakewalk works, it’s a bit like musical chairs, but without the chairs. Tape numbers on the floor in a circular pattern and set up a table to display all the donated decorated cakes. For each round of the game, be sure you have one person participating for each number taped to the floor. Each person playing buys a ticket (usually, the cost is a dollar or two) to enter the game. Everyone walks around in a circle as the music plays, stopping at the closest number when the music stops. Once everyone is stopped, a number is drawn out of a hat and the person standing on the number that’s been drawn gets to choose a cake. Then start all over with new players. This is frequently the most popular game at any fundraising event and a whole lot of fun, so don’t be surprised if your cakewalk (catwalk?) is mobbed by participants. At the end, donate the money collected to “walk” in the cakewalk to your local rescue. Pretty sweet, right?
10 Foster.
Why not open your house and heart to a homeless cat that needs temporary shelter? The time commitment is often as short as two weeks, but it is a tremendous help to rescue groups, allowing them to take in more cats in need of homes, cats that in some cases would be euthanized if the rescues weren’t able to pluck them from an over-capacity kill shelter. And, of course, fostering is a godsend for the foster cats, allowing them to know a home rather than a cage, so their true personalities can shine forth, helping them to find their forever home. In short: small time commitment, huge reward. n
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art attack
by Rose Frosek
One to Watch
Our kind of girl. Hip, young painter Allison Schulnik is obsessed with cats
A
llison Schulnik is a painter, sculptor, and filmmaker who lives and works in Los Angeles. Born in 1978, she graduated CalArts in 2000 with a BFA in experimental animation. Recently selected as one of the “Ones to Watch” by Art Review, her paintings have been exhibited in galleries at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, the Santa Monica Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, as well as internationally. Oh, and she’s obsessed with cats. We asked her a few questions to get to the bottom of her process, inspiration, and fixation on our feline friends. Q: When did you paint your first cat? A: It must have been when I was a wee little tweener. My parents had cats coming in and out our home on a regular basis. Of course we had some regulars that were a part of the family and I drew them all the time. I had sketchbooks full of drawings of my parents, mushrooms, and cats.
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What is it about cats that resonates with you? They are elegant and human-like, and yet still animals. They are very dancer-ly, and have great twist and turn in their movement and positions—they’re just super-satisfying to paint. Plus, they are mysterious and have a constant underlying narrative in their eyes that you always want to know the beginning, middle, and end of. Aside from cats, is there other subject matter that continues to pop up in your work? We’ve seen a number of clowns. Yes, a lot of things. I tend to get fixated on subjects for long periods of time. I paint a lot of clowns, gnomes, naked ladies, and hobos. Recently, I have been painting sailors and mermaids. The sailors have all been painted with cats so far. Is there any commonality between cats and other subjects frequently represented in your work? There are tons of parallels between the subjects I paint. There is an element of performance in all these creatures, and a huge element of mischief and mystery.
artist Q+A Which artists have influenced your work? There are so many it’s hard to narrow it down. Some of my favourite cat paintings were made by two of my favourite painters, Balthus and Oudry. Also Bonnard, Ensor, Guston, Balthus, Hockney, Rousseau, Bickford, Harryhausen, Wolverton, Saul, Crumb, Bausch, Graham, Duncan... it’s an endless list! Do you see yourself working in a particular tradition? Probably yes, though I don’t usually think about the traditions that I am working in because I think I move around. If I had to, I would consider myself a portrait artist. I like to present likeness, capturing the essence of some thing or someone and making a monument to it. How many cats do you have in your life now and do they play muse to/appear in your works? I have had my same two cats for 12 years. Two twin Siamese runts graciously named Gin and Juice. They were from the Long Beach City. I think I have made at least 30 portraits of Gin over the years. Definitely one of the strangest cats I have known, with a constant need for love in a frantically forceful way, yet always with the deepest darkest fear of death in her eyes. Juice is the alpha, queen floozy, always ambushing Gin. Juice prances around and gets her love from anyone and anything. I never felt like she needed monuments dedicated to her. But I love her so much I have painted her too, despite all her foolish confidence. They both think they are dogs or humans. Gin often shows up in portraits of humans as well. Some of the hobo clowns I have painted remind me of Gin. Are there particular traits specific to cats that you are trying to capture in your feline subjects?
Well, someone told me once the animals I paint are more human-like, and the humans more animal-like. I think cats and humans have a lot of similar traits and that’s what makes them endlessly interesting to paint. How does this intersect with/determine your creative process and technique? I just try to capture the likeness of the animal I am painting. Technique and process all are determined by what makes sense for the beast being portrayed. What inspires you? I am constantly inspired by and borrowing from a huge array of things. Film, music, dance, cartoons, books, pictures—painted and photographed—things made by hand and machine, trash, food, flea markets, once loved discarded relics, once hated discarded relics, the movie version of A Chorus Line, King Diamond, Skittles... Can you describe your work for us in one sentence? Honest depictions of love, hope, and fear. n
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PHOTOS ARTHUR ELGORT
Above: Grace Coddington from Grace © 2012, Random House
Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good cat and a good book
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF MUST-READS.
Kitty Jones Kitty Crafts: Beautifully Designed Projects for a Cat-Friendly home By Jen Curry (One Peace Books, 2012) Jen Curry’s step-by-step book, Kitty Jones Kitty Crafts, is full of inspiring, cool craftiness to thrill your cats and beautify your home. Intended for the cat-loving crafter in all of us, projects are grouped into sections and have difficulty ratings from one to three to keep you from getting in over your head. Templates and a glossary ensure success for even first-time crafters. Under “Play,” you’ll find fun how-to’s for fish wands and a cool grosgrain ribbon-wrapped scratch pad made of recycled cardboard, while in “Home,” the likes of cat-head-silhouette bookends have us itching for a free afternoon to devote to some crafting. With graphic-fabric wrapped planters filled with cat grass and decoupage trays imprinted with cat silhouettes rounding out the mix, there’s no shortage of cool projects to delve into.—SC
Love Saves the Day By Gwen Cooper (Bantam, 2013) We found this unforgettably moving story about a brown tabby named Prudence a hard one to put down. Told primarily through Prudence’s innocent and gentle voice, the story begins when she’s just five weeks old and found at a deserted construction site in Manhattan by a woman named Sarah. Prudence knows she’s found the woman she’s meant to adopt. For three years they live a blissful life together, until the day that Sarah doesn’t come home and Sarah’s estranged daughter Laura comes to take Prudence to live with her. The story that unfolds tells of a broken relationship between mother and daughter and how this devoted cat makes Laura whole again. Alternately hilarious then tear moderncat.com
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Cat Daddy: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean By Jackson Galaxy (Penguin, 2012)
Above: From Kitty Jones Kitty Crafts © 2012, One Peace Books
inducing, this is a novel for anyone who’s ever lost a loved one, wondered what their cat was really thinking, or fallen asleep with a purring feline nestled in their arms. New York Times bestselling author Gwen Cooper has crafted an unforgettable tale that will steal your heart.—CW
Grace: a Memoir by Grace Coddington By Grace Coddington (Random House, 2012) Fashion and cat lovers rejoice! Grace Coddington, the porcelain skinned, red headed Creative Director of Vogue magazine/righthand woman and counter point to its Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, has written a witty, honest, and utterly captivating portrayal of her life. In it, Coddington describes her early career as a model, her work with Vogue, and, most importantly where we’re concerned, her love of cats, devoting a whole chapter to her feline fancy. She shares hilarious tales, such as such as how she told entrepreneur/rapper P. Diddy (aka Puff Daddy) that she named her cat Puff Daddy Junior after him (he didn’t seem impressed). Also included is a charming array of Coddington’s hand-drawn sketches, like one of Karl Lagerfeld (a fan of her art) holding his kitten, Choupette. What really stands out though is Coddington’s irrepressible spirit, remarkable for the number of tragic events the book recounts. Just two of many: her eyelid was sliced off in a car accident, ending her modeling career, and at seven month’s pregnant, she and her car were hoisted by British football fans and thrown, causing her to lose her child. Grace relates the fascinating life of an inspiring, interesting, down to earth, and immensely likable woman, bringing a very welcome breath of fresh air to the rarified sphere of fashion. (We credit the cats.)—AT
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Don’t let the tattoos and shaved head fool you, Jackson Galaxy, cat behaviorist and star of Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell,” knows what he’s talking about. This cat whisperer extraordinaire has an uncanny ability to connect with cats. In his book Cat Daddy: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean, Jackson shares his personal journey and hard-won catknowledge to help you understand your cat’s psyche, ultimately providing you with the ammunition you need to help solve kitty-induced dilemmas. Never straying into boring how-to territory, Cat Daddy chronicles Galaxy’s life as a down-and-out musician recovering from a mental breakdown and how he recognized his ability to connect with cats when Benny, a so-called “unbondable” cat, was brought to the animal shelter he worked at. Galaxy’s open and honest account of his life and thirteenyear relationship with Benny is nothing short of inspiring and will leave you with insight into your own cat and how you can live your best and happiest lives together.—CW
The Royal Treatment By Barbara Royal (Simon & Schuster, 2012) Dr. Barbara Royal, the favoured veterinarian of Oprah Winfrey, has marked out a holistic path to pet health and happiness that integrates both Western and Eastern medicine. In her first book, The Royal Treatment: a Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets, Royal combines her experience in veterinary care, emergency medicine, pathology, and alternative treatments with the compassion of an animal-lover, providing an all encompassing natural approach to healthy living. From recipes to exam room etiquette and canine massage how-to, The Royal Treatment helps guardians of cats and dogs make the right decisions when it comes to their pet’s wellness and healthcare. Highly recommended.—NS
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Last Lick
Goldie
A feral orange tabby shows his love from across the great divide By Suzanne Beecher
F
our years ago, a hungry, tuckered-out, feral, orange tabby showed up on my porch. He was a feisty little guy, but with good reason. Somewhere along the way folks had let him down. The pain and mistreatment he’d suffered, I could see it in his eyes. He kept his distance, but soon the two of us developed a relationship; well, maybe it was actually more of a ritual. Every morning Goldie (everyone needs a name) sat outside on my lounge chair waiting for me to get out of bed. When he’d hear me shuffling around in the kitchen making coffee, he’d come and sit on my side porch. My feline friend was waiting for his usual breakfast: one can of turkey with gravy, one scoop of dry cat food, and a fresh bowl of water to wash it all down. Tasty meals three times a day—after a few weeks, Goldie put on some weight, so it was time to get him neutered. I’ve caught a number of stray cats in cages and got them fixed, which is a good thing. But I also feel a little like a bad guy and not a very good friend, because I feed the cats every day and get them to trust me, but then I put sardines in the back of a cage, and just when feral kitty is starting to chomp on the tasty snack, the cage door slams shut and off we go to the vet to do the deed. My veterinarian had generously offered to neuter Goldie for free—“If you can catch him, Suzanne.” Ah yes, if I could catch him. Goldie was comfortable enough to walk one or two steps inside my house, but if I reached out to touch him, he’d hiss and run. I had several heart-to-heart talks with Goldie, explaining that I just wanted to help, and I honestly think he understood because every morning when I opened the door to talk to him, his eyes said, “I want you to pet me and love me.” But then he remembered the family that used to love him and abandoned him, and was afraid to trust again. Trying to catch Goldie was extremely frustrating. After two failed attempts (both times the cage malfunctioned), Goldie caught on to my scheme and was too smart to venture into the small cage the Animal Rescue Shelter let me borrow. So I bought a huge dog cage, put a soft cushy rug inside along with a small bowl of Goldie’s favourite turkey and gravy, set the cage on my side porch, tied a rope to the cage door, and had my husband
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SPRING / SUMMER 2013
hide around the corner holding the rope—partners in a neuter intervention. Since my husband couldn’t actually see the cage, I kept watch through a window from inside the house. My husband and I both had cell phones, so when Goldie was safely inside the cage, I’d let my husband know when to pull on the rope. The cage door would shut, we’d load the cage into our son’s van and off we’d go to the vet. “Pull, now, pull! Goldie’s inside the cage!” I instructed. The door closed just like we’d planned and Goldie was trapped inside . . . until he put his paw up on the door and the door easily glided open. Out walked Goldie, who gave my husband and me a look of “you foolish people” before running off. We were stunned! But then we realized our mistake. After my husband pulled on the rope, the cage door did shut, but there wasn’t any tension on the door to keep it closed. Despite our disappointed efforts, we didn’t give up. Four days later we finally caught the rascal and I took him to the vet, hoping when I brought him back home I could catch his heart. Sometimes male cats mellow after getting neutered, and that’s what I was hoping for. I had visions of Goldie snuggling up to me when I picked him up from the vet, but he was snarling more than ever. At least he didn’t hold a grudge—the next morning he showed up for breakfast and we resumed our normal routine. Goldie was part of our family for years, a distant relative who’d only take two steps into the house, but we loved him. So I was worried when Goldie didn’t show up three days in row, especially since the last time I’d seen him something didn’t feel quite right. For days, every hour I’d walk over to the window and look out, but Goldie wasn’t there. Finally I had to come to terms with the fact that he was gone, but I couldn’t really be at peace about it because I had no way of knowing for sure what happened to Goldie. Until one night I saw him in a dream. Goldie may not have been able to show his love to me when he was here, but in my dream there he was, sitting underneath a street lamp, and his eyes weren’t afraid any longer. Instead, they were filled with love and thanks, and he was saying goodbye. He was a handful, but he was mine and I miss him. n