Inter-species Feeding Station: Cats and Dog

Dear Readers,

Discerning cats have suffered long enough. You know what I'm talking about: living in quarters that were designed for humans with nary a thought for us! Thank goodness that is over.

And just to show it, the New York Times posted an article, Raising the Bar on Pet Decor. Put your paw on the mouse and click.

I apologize in advance for items related to growlers. But do have a look at the slide show as well a read the text - most especially check out the pet feeding station designed by one caregiver who has both dogs and cats. It's a great idea.

Here's to happier inter-species meals,
Greyce 

Hampered by a Four-Paw Declaw

Dear Greyce, We are two adorable shelter graduates who get along well together and have recently consented to join a new home. Our new purrson, however, was surprised to find that all four of our paws (for each of us that is – yep, eight paws in all) have been declawed. We’d love a cat tree but she is afraid to get us one for fear that we won’t be able to climb it. What do you think? Could you please advise on appropriate cat toys as well? We are biters and need a little something on which to work our frustration. Just let us know what to do and we will ensure to aim her credit card in the right direction! Your Feline Fans in Michigan

Moby's News

Dear Readers, You might remember Moby, the cat who was having difficulty with his companion, Mick and was also a champion indoor sprayer (blog entry, The Pungent Scents of Comfort. Urine Marking #4 - January 26, 2010). Here is his latest news.

Dear Greyce, I just wanted to update you on my progress.  I have been off my meds for two months and I have been using a new litter which is scented - for two weeks. And these last two weeks, I have been urinating INSIDE the box!

Mick and I still have our moments. Also I hang out with a couple of neighbor cats but we don't fight. I don't wander very much anymore because I prefurr to hang with my human family and Mick.

Best wishes, Moby

Moby My Man! Congratulations!! You are making excellent progress. I will keep my paws crossed that your prefurrence for your new litter becomes permanent and that you continue using the box. You've come a long way. I'm so proud of you I'm going to roll in some catnip! Greyce

Hard Poop

Dear Greyce, Remember me? I was the subject of your blog entry, Guess Why I Won't Use the Box? (3/14/10). I'm happy to say that my problem is solved. HOWEVER I have another one: I'm having a difficult time passing my stools which are so hard that I have to strain and that makes me pee a little. I've been checked by my vet (blood panel, too) and have been given a clean bill of health. Herself bought Laxatone but that seems to only work on fur balls and I don't have problems with those. I'd appreciate any suggestions you could give so that I can fianlly poop like I used to. Yours, Max

Suzi is Stressed

Dear Readers, You may remember Suzi, a lovely cat who lives in Bulgaria, and shares her home with two other permanent felines (her brother Koko and her nemesis Sissi), two foster cats (Jack and Rijko) and one human. She has been the topic of several blog entries beginning with Stuck in the Kitchen (4/21/10); to follow her situation see also entries of the 4/26 - 29 inclusive/10. Suzi has been singled out for bullying: One of the foster cats (Jack) is quite aggressive to her and one of the other permanent residents, Sissi, hunts for her and attacks. Suzi can’t even go to the litter box in peace!

And so Suzi spends most of her time on top of the kitchen cupboards except for a few hours in the evening when she and her brother, Koko, have most of the place to themselves (and the other cats are locked in another room).

I provided some advice but it doesn’t appear to be working - which just goes to show that even though I’m extremely knowledgeable and very intelligent, I am not purrfect.

I want to share Suzi’s letter with you. Be assured that I’m not yet ready to give up on the situation, so don’t forget to read my reply as well. Greyce.