I really like the idea of a heated bed for them, and I know that they and the dogs would actually really appreciate it. Though we don’t really get below freezing here, the drop in temperature does obviously bother them (this is evidenced by all of them tolerating each other long enough to lounge in a patch of sunshine on the floor in an attempt to warm up).

Amazon has a lot of these types of pet beds to choose from, and the one pictured above comes in several different sizes. (Though I’m still only looking at this point, I can’t help but be amused by the thought of all the cats and dogs cramming themselves into the largest one together.) The detachable power cord is also chew resistant with a 12 volt power adapter, and the bed cover is machine washable.

If the thought of having something plugged in and generating heat bothers you, there are also these little heat discs that you warm in the microwave before tucking it in with your pet.

[image: amazon]

Post from: Blisstree

Keeping Kitties Warm

Unfortunately, the kittens all have a mild case of ringworm, which I noticed on one ear this past Sunday. The vet said it’s likely that since they’re all from the same litter that they contracted it from their mother, but that the only bad thing about it is that it’s just an irritation and won’t cause any permanent harm. We’ll be keeping the remaining foster in the “kitten room,” as we call, it for a while longer and for now all four of them are on a liquid oral medication to take care of the infection.

We each got a small, skinny syringe to use for dosing, and contrary to what you might think, it’s actually pretty easy to give liquid medication to a cat. The easiest way I’ve found over the years, with my own cats, is:

1. Hold the cat up firmly by the scruff with their back legs resting on your lap.
2. Insert the syringe into the cat’s mouth, resting along the cheek and toward the throat.
3. Gently (and not too quickly), press the plunger of the syringe to release the medication. The cat will start licking as the medication goes down its throat.

That’s it! They won’t be too happy about it at first, but this is the quickest and non-messiest way we’ve found when it comes to giving liquid medication. Pills, on the other hand…

Post from: Blisstree

How to Give a Cat Liquid Oral Medication

Willow Tree Angel: With Affection I adore the Willow Tree collection and own several, and this sweet angel holding a cat is on my wishlist this year.

This adorable Chester the Cat Teapot (with matching mug and salt and pepper shakers) makes me wish I drank tea!

I love calendars and for reasons I’m not even sure of, I tend to have several throughout the year. This 2010 calendar features “Bad Cats” in humorous situations.

Learn about the traditions and history of the Lucky Cat, a popular symbol of prosperity and good fortune across Asia and the world, in a hardcover book. Then check out the Lucky Cat figurines.

This Amazon seller has dozens of resin ornaments and figurines, perfect for any collector. Of course, I especially like the Chihuahua and rat terrier ornaments!

Show everyone who your best friend is with this adorable Dog Lover coffee mug.

I love these dog paw car stickers! The set of eight stickers costs less than $4 (including shipping!) and attaches cleanly to any smooth, hard surface.

Of course, we can’t forget the dogs when it comes time to look for a 2010 calendar. This one, like the cat calendar above, also features silly dogs in compromising situations!

[images: amazon.com; custom]

Post from: Blisstree

2009 Gift Guide for the Cat and Dog Lover

Inspired by the book and movie, Petfinder is working with its network of 13,000 shelters and rescue groups across North America to give families the opportunity to welcome an adoptable pet into their home for the holiday season, ideally from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day.

Interested foster-parents-to-be can visit Petfinder.com to find the participating shelters near you. Not only will you be providing homeless animals with a loving home during the holidays, but you’ll also be giving shelter volunteers and staff a well-deserved break!

Airing Sunday, November 29 on CBS, A Dog Named Christmas tells the tale of a developmentally challenged young man with a penchant for caring for animals in need, who sets out to convince his family — and their whole rural community — to participate in a local shelter’s inaugural “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.”

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Foster a Pet for the Holidays

For animal lovers, this can mean a double dose of giving: along with donating some canned goods or a sack of groceries at the grocery store, consider dropping off an unopened bag or cans of cat or dog food, or even a bag of litter to your local Humane Society or pet shelter as well.

Not only do the food and supplies benefit animals at the shelter, but many shelters nationwide also distribute items to people who are in need of them, and whose pets may not be able to eat without the help of the donations.

For more information on what is acceptable to donate, be sure to contact your state’s Humane Society, SPCA, or other local animal shelters. Many are also in great need of things like towels, washcloths, litter pans, etc, and monetary donations are also always welcome.

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Don’t Forget Shelter Pets at Thanksgiving

Made of 100% post consumer recycled materials, the scratcher, which resembles egg cartons, contains no glues or chemicals and is completely feline friendly. It can be scratched, shredded, slept on and played with, and when it’s reached the end of its lifespan it can be put out on the curb with the rest of your household recycling.

The scratcher/lounger retails for $8.99, and if it’s as durable as it looks, that’s a pretty good price compared to other cat scratching devices, such as a Turbo Scratcher (which leaves a big mess all over the floor) or even a scratching post (not very eco-friendly).

[image: properpet.com]

Post from: Blisstree

Eco-Friendly Cat Scratcher

Within the next few hours we’ll be getting a litter of four kittens who will likely only be with us overnight, as we’ll have to take them into Petco tomorrow for an adoption event, and there’s a very good chance they’ll all find new homes. I’m very excited just the same, and think this is going to be a great experience for all of us.

If you’re interested in cat fostering, get ahold of someone at your local Humane Society, which is who runs the adoption events at the Petcos in my area (or talk to one of the volunteers at the store itself). We heard back from the coordinator within a few days of filling out an application, and the home inspection basically just consisted of making sure you have the room to keep the animals.

The Humane Society will provide all the necessities — from the food, to litter, even the litter box and, of course, vet visits if needed — so you won’t be out anything monetarily, except for a drive down to the pet store on the weekends to drop them off!

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Fostering Cats, Part 2

The 13-year-old indoor house cat, who has fully recovered from the illness, reportedly caught the virus from one of two human household members who were sick with H1N1. It isn’t believed that the cat has passed the virus on to anyone — or anything! — else. An IDPH Public Health veterinarian says it’s actually not that unexpected, and that other flu strains have been found in cats before.

Up until today the H1N1 virus had only been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets:

It is well known that some viruses can be transmitted from people to their pets so the case of the Iowa cat isn’t a surprise. But the case is prompting the association, along with the American Association of Feline Practitioners, to remind pet owners “they should monitor their pets’ health very closely, no matter what type of animal, and visit a veterinarian if there are any signs of illness.” ~ source

People can keep themselves and their pets healthy by washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and minimizing contact with their pets while ill with flu-like symptoms. If your pet exhibits signs of a respiratory illness, contact your vet.

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Iowa Cat Tests Positive for H1N1

While my girls ooh’d and ahh’d over the kittens, my husband and I got to talking with one of the volunteers about the three cats we already have. Though we’re not “in the market” for any more pets we do miss having kittens around (and the girls have never had kittens!), the volunteer mentioned that they can always use volunteers for fostering.

Cat fostering is something my husband and I have talked about off and on for several years, but between the kids being too young and not having the room it just wasn’t a possibility. Now, however, the kids are older and a lot more responsible, and we have a little extra room to dedicate to it. Before we left I filled out an application and will hopefully hear back soon!

~ 10 Things You’ll Need to Foster Kittens
~ Tips for Fostering Kittens
~ The Joys of Fostering

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Fostering Cats

~ Getting You and Your Pets Ready for Winter at Janet Roper

~ 13 Halloween Pet Safety Tips from Petside

~ Preparing Your Pet for Winter at 4 the Love of Animals

~ Diabetes in Pets from Dolittler

~ World’s Largest Scooby Snack at Dogs Trust

~ What Is Natural Pet Food? from Scratchings and Sniffings

~ Fall and Winter Dog Stew Treat at Raise a Green Dog

~ How Much and How Often Should I Feed My Dog? from Dogster Vet Blog

~ A Different Way to Use Pet Grave Markers at Peternity

~ Dog Smog Remedy from Great Green Pets

~ Understanding a Foster Dog’s Past at Canine Fostering

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Weekend Pet Links: October 17th