THE SCRATCHING POST
  ~  Cat Animation Art Show Today!  ~ 

Summer, 2002, Issue 12 - by Barbara Stanley, home2cats@aol.com
Home2Cats, P. O. Box 752671, Memphis, TN  38175-2671

(c) Artist: Eminyan

 

 Mews You Can Use:

Detecting Health Problems --

Cats are solitary animals with a natural tendency to try to take care of their own health problems. As they are 'masters' at hiding their pain and discomfort, it is often difficult for the most nurturing and caring owner to detect signs of illness.

Awareness of your cat's normal behavior and habits is extremely important as often your first sign of problems may simply be a change in behavior. No matter how minor it may appear, any changes in habits, personality, and routine should alert the owner to potential health problems.

If you observe a change in you cat's normal behavior, you should then observe for any physical changes. Don’t just look - using your other senses can be as, or perhaps more, revealing than simply what you see. So hearing, touch and smell are just as important as simply looking at your cat.

Some physical signs that you should look for are changes in drinking habits, changes in appetite, any vomiting, and any changes in bowel and bladder output. Check your cat's coat for any changes in appearance. Observe for changes in the way your cat is walking and balancing. Are there any changes in his/her vision and/or hearing?

Also important is how your cat reacts to touch. A change in touch response could indicate pain. If any physical changes are observed, you should seek medical attention immediately for proper evaluation and care.

Remember, cats are solitary animals so don’t be overly concerned if your cat wants to be alone for a while. However, if this persist more than 24 hours you would be well advised to make an appointment with your veterinarian for proper assessment and recommendations.

 

 A Word From Home(2Cats):

(c) Artist: Marloes de Haan

 

  Cat Tails: 

Name:  Argant
Breed:  Beach Bum & Aristocrat Mix

It's hard to believe that anything would need to be rescued from paradise. But that was the case for Argant in the Cayman Islands. Over population from failure to spay/neuter extends beyond our American borders. Even to the paradise that is the Cayman Islands.

Argant's appreciation of the finer things in life contributed to his downfall. He adopted the Hyatt Regency as his home. Why not? Oh, the cuisine!! Oh, the ecstasy of it all. He was able to feast occasionally on the finest of delicacies (Okay, so they were scraps no one else wanted but, hey, some mighty fine grub nonetheless).

Alas, the patrons and guest were unimpressed and failed to appreciate Argant’s ‘inner beauty’ and filed complaints with hotel personnel about the scrawny cat-in-residence with the ratty coat. Horrors! Argant became a hunted fugitive.

When we made his acquaintance, Argant was spending his last day at the Cayman Humane Society. We had gone for a visit and tour of the facility when we came across Argant having his last meal.

Even in such dire straits, he stopped to purr and chat with us. We were ‘goners’ at that point, our hearts won over by the scruffy little guy.

Argant was state side bound after he passed his health exam and inspection with the Department of Agriculture. He has gained weight and flaunts his gorgeous white coat. He’s adjusted well to his new digs, though decidedly NOT the Hyatt Regency.

Argant has decided that sometimes the simple things in life are better than the finer things.

 

Argant’s Favoritest Things:

Fave Toy	Fish in the ponds at the Hyatt.
Fave Food	Eukanuba.
Fave Pastime	Feeling the beach sand between your toes.
Fave Song	"Give Me Just a Little More Time" - by Chairman of the Board.
Fave Movie	"Cat Women of the Moon."

 

Lexus’s Un-Favoritest Things:

Un-Fave Toy	Sand crabs.
Un-Fave Food	Anything being served as your last meal.
Un-Fave Pastime	Fugitive status.
Un-Fave Song	"I Fought The Law (and the Law Won)" - by The Crickets.
Un-Fave Movie	"Motel Hell."