Catnip Makes the Cats Go Crazy (continued)

This is the last installment on our latest Catnip Post Series. Recently, you got to see the catnip effects on our cats on the post "Catnip Makes The Cats Go Crazy." Today, you get get the real inside edition along with a word of caution.

 It's always a good idea to tiptoe around a cat on catnip.

 Oops, I said . . .

 I, Twinkie, know better, and I listen to my own advice. I'm keeping my distance from Max, the Maine Coon kitty.

 Pedrito, on the other paw, has a death wish.

 Wham!

 Whack!

 But, Pedrito never listens. He lives by his own rules and is used to always getting his way.

He took Max's rug from under his furs and ran away. 

Caution:

Furiends, beware! Don't do this at home unsupervised. Catnip Effects can be dangerous for us dogs.

The End

Twink!

Catnip Makes the Cats Go Crazy

Catnip Effects

To be continued. . .

Twinkie

E-Personation

All of us, pet bloggers and Face Book users out there, beware! This year, California moves to outlaw online "e-personation". Pretending to be someone else on a social network is now a misdemeanor, while possession of marijuana will only carry a $100.00 fine. What's up with that? Is catnip about to become illegal, can cats and dogs with blogs survive this hit?

Dog help us all!!!

(chiweenie demonstrating catnip effects on dogs)

What's going to happen to us??? Will there be no Global Animal Blogging Event (GABE) this year? Do we need to take down our Face Book "like" pages? I say we protest to exclude and separate ourselves from human e-poseurs . . .

A confused Twinkie

Kitten Pictures | Spay and Neuter

Remember the newborn kittens? They are five months old already. We knew that they would get spayed and neutered even before they were born. My family and I are advocates. M was a wreck. She hates taking her precious pets in to get surgery, but as much as she doesn't sleep the night before, she knows it's a good thing. As a matter of fact, originally we kept the momma cat because the person who wanted her refused to spay her. Of course, after the first few weeks of her living with us, she became part of the family and M couldn't part with her any longer. It all worked out for the best. The cat family has formed a close bond. They were even taken for their surgery together. They were also picked up together the following day.

They are still a rather united cat tribe. They function like a group. Sure, the mom occasionally hisses and even growls at her kittens, but she is also very protective and affectionate with them most of the time. She has completely accepted all of us dogs, from the largest to the naughtiest. Project cats and dogs united, copleted. We're an integrated home. Seven cats and four dogs, who would have thought! The outdoor cat enclosure helps a lot, with any crowding issues, plus all the cats absolutely love it out there. They take in the sun's rays, roll on their backs, trim their claws on actual tree trunks, and enjoy their fresh supply of cat grass that M has planted for them. Sometimes, little Pedro, the chihuahua puppy joins them out there, and that's when the laid back kittens jump up to higher levels where they cannot be reached; that's an accurate statement about most, but not all cats. Charlie, the tuxedo kitten remains Pedro's best friend. The two are inseparable and play well together. We can't wait until the kittens are over ten months old and get introduced to catnip. We wonder about the catnip effects and how the kittens will react to it.

Lil' Mama weighs 7lbs, the tuxedo kitten (Charlie, M's favorite) is 8lbs, the pointed kitten (Gigi Smudge) 7.4lbs, and the runt, the calico kitten named Puddles, weighs 6lbs.

Kitten pictures:

 Even after her spay surgery, Lil' Mama remains quite intense.

 We lucked out. While we (the dogs) don't like the deer antlers, Charlie is really fond of them.

 Puddles still spends her days lounging about looking pretty. She only gets upset when someone takes away her mirror.

The Smudge! A rather flighty almost feral kitten nobody likes to mess with.

Be kind, considerate, and responsible: Spay and neuter your pets!

Twinkie

Pregnant Cat Emergency Foster and Catnip

You've all heard about our other cats and their catnip addiction. We decided to check out the catnip effects on our pregnant cat and the results came in rather quickly.

Not interested

We checked to make sure that catnip use on a pregnant cat is not a problem, and sure enough, it's harmless. It is safe to provide catnip to your pregnant cat. Catnip is just an herb after all. Even when the kittens are born, it is safe to have catnip around because kittens do not react to catnip at all. The only warning I read about was about rBST, the synthetic growth hormone used in dairy farming, but it's very unlikely your cat's catnip may have been treated with it. 

If our case, Farrah, our foster pregnant cat sniffed the catnip and continued on with her day's activities: lounging, rolling, trying to lick herself unsuccessfully and rolling some more, attacking M and Linguini, eating, drinking, and sleeping. We tried to introduce her to a catnip toy as well with the same results. Just not interested, but we'll keep trying to stimulate her in other ways, in our efforts to keep her fit until she delivers the kittens.

Farrah is looking huge! I will be gathering material and will post it periodically for the cat aficionados. We also got a wireless camera so we can get live feed of the "birthing room" as soon as we workout the technology kinks. At this point, we're guessing that the kittens might arrive in the next week or so, but it's really hard to be exact since Farrah was running lose in the streets until recently. I must say, even if you're not fond of cats, it's hard to resist smiling at the sight of any newborn.

Catnip effects on pregnant cat report, over!

Twinkie

Sunday's Maine Coon Cat Pictures

Our beloved Max, the Maine Coon Cat, fell asleep in the cutest position the other day. He  was on top of a billiard table leaning against his As Seen on TV EmeryCat Scratch Board sleeping peacefully. We obviously need to add fresh catnip to Max's scratch board, if we want him to play with it. Actually, any time we want to renew any of our cats' interest in older toys, we lace it and allow the catnip effects to work their magic.

Maine Coon Cat Pictures

 

The ongoing battle between M and Max has ended. Max now seeks M out and often rubs on her and jumps on her lap. She's still not used to his changed behavior and savors every head rub. We're so grateful for this rescue cat!

Twinkie

Catnip Effects | Catnip Toys

In the botanical world catnip (catswort, catmint) goes by the name Nepeta Cataria. Felines are affected by the smell of the plant and are particularly sensitive to the main active ingredient, the chemical nepetalactone.

Cat gone wild on catnip plant

The ingredient has intoxicating and psychedelic effects on cats

Studies have shown that one in three cats is missing the necessary gene to respond to catnip and remains unaffected. Same applies to kittens younger than 10 months old. They have little  if any reaction to the herb. The average catnip high lasts approximately  ten minutes, and the toxicity level is minimal, a reassuring fact for all cat owners who want to provide their felines with a lifetime of catnip pleasure. 

Growing catnip is fairly easy, even for amateurs. The plant is perennial and grows to about one to three feet tall. It requires partial shade and prefers average well drained soil over rich ones. A word of caution, even with minimal attention the catnip plant grows like a weed, so a pot is preferable to the ground, as it might spread, crowding out other plants. Grow catnip seeds by planting them directly into your soil, spaced about 20" apart. As the flowers begin to bloom, harvest your leaves. Cut off the top leaves, stems, and flowers. They can be used fresh, frozen, or dried. To dry them, spread the leaves in a cool ventilated area. Growing the plant yourself is the easiest way to guarantee it is organic catnip, free of pesticides. 

The nepetalactone concentration is  stronger in the plants leaves than at it's roots, seed, or even the stems

Catnip can cause an astonishing reaction. The cat will sniff it, rub it, roll in and on it, kick it, but this should only last a few minutes at a time. A couple of hours later, the cat is ready for round two and will most likely have the same response. 

There are several catnip toys available in the market today. One of the most common brands is Cosmic Catnip, the makers of Cosmic Catnip Banana Toy, the Cosmic Catnip Filled Cigar Toy, and a favorite of our cats, the Cosmic Catnip Bubbles. When conducting our own experiments, we ordered and tested out the Yeowww! 100% Organic Catnip Cigar. 

This is a display of a ten year old maine coon cat's reaction to the cigars

He rolled and purred loudly until his time was up and the catnip effects had abated

This kitty becomes aggressive when under the influence

One great use for catnip is shaking some on old scratch boards your feline has lost interest in. Chances are, the herb's smell will attract your cat thus sparing a couch or two. We call this process "rejuvenation" and it helps by keeping your cat (especially if she's an indoor one) entertained, interested, stimulated, and her claws mildly trimmed. 

If you have a kitty or ten and have yet to experiment with catnip and catnip toys, don't hesitate. Worst case scenario, your cat becomes mildly aggressive in which case you remove the unwanted side-effect by removing the herb. Catnip is fun only when it doesn't result in excessive aggression. 

Twinkie

Catnip Toy Review | Nip/Tox

Frankie here, Twinkie still ici!

Have you heard the saying, When the cat's away, the mice will play? What happens when the cat is Twinkie and the mice are the cats? As Twinkie's assistant, it is my sad doody to let you know about some terrible things going on in my home. Yup, yup, another cat-astrophe. They broke out the catnip filled cigars!!!

You see, dear furiends?

What makes this extra remarkable is the fact that all three cats are together. 

Let's see how this develops.

Jet is a well known catnip toy addict

You can clearly see the catnip effects here

And so is Bob

Catnip effects obvious

Look who else decided to use drugs...um, catnip

Our maine coon cat, Max!

Max suddenly realized Jet was too close to him.

He raised The Paw

Jet did not like this one bit. 

After this photo, there were two cats (Jet scrammed)

Twinkie should be very proud of me, I even made a video.

Video Catnip

For all my kat-furiends drooling over this, I know I shouldn't but I'll tell ya anyway. These are YEOWW! Catnip Cigars. Fittingly, I discovered them through my cat-furiends over at I Love Catnip, true story BOL Thank you, 3 city katz! Now, if you love your cat and don't mind the crazy misbehavior, get them a Yeoww! As you can see, Yeoww! Cigars got an A+ at my home. If anybody questions this, just tell them that Frankie & The Cats recommend them. 

I am terribly sad to tattle, but like I said earlier, I felt it was my doody. Now go have a nice day and don't worry about me. I can always run for cover on my Linguini's bed.

Frankie 

Catnip Effects | Gray Squirrel

Today, I need to address a serious problem. It's about my twin-kat-siblings. I think it's time for an Intervention. The catnip effects are devastating. Let me lay it all out for you.

Nanny cam:

Please pardon the grunt in the middle of the video. Momma couldn't help herself when she realized the catnip mess and exactly what she was shooting. Ha ha.

Photo Evidence

Who stole the catnip from the catnip basket?

Wasn't me!

Wasn't me!

The culprits!

I believe the pictures speak for themselves. To prove my case even further, please allow me to show you the "after" photos.

Jet

Bob

Help! Is there a Catnip Effects Anonymous that you know about or do I need to do that too? I've been thinking about it (tons of extra time on my paws due to nonstop rainstorm!) and I have an idea for a name for my detox center: Nip/Tox. What do you think? I might get my own TV show this way.

One last thing before I go (this is for you, momma): January 21st was Squirrel appreciation day. I would like to take one moment to post a photo of our gray squirrel. She was a rescue too. She came to us as a newborn and in really bad shape. A friend had rescued her from a grade school play-yard where the children were taking turns tossing her by her tail. Ashley spent the first months of her life inside Momma's exercise bra. She remained my momma's darling until she passed away at the overripe age of nine! (Squirrel's usually don't make it to age six). We remember her all the time, but you have never seen her. Do not feel sad. She sure needed a break. Here's our gay squirrel.

Ashley hanging outside her cage door

That's all for now, folks. Transmission over.

Twink!

Cat Rescue Cats Gone Wild and Terrible Twos

No, I'm not talking about the age. I'm referring to our cats, the infamous twins, Bob (gray) and Jet (black?). Remember the cat rescue story? As you know, they are the cause of much cat-astrophe in our home, especially if there is a catnip toy involved. I have been telling you about how Jet casually and frequently whacks us all as we go by her. I just discovered two videos to prove it. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait for the good one: Jet v. Frankie since we haven't caught the culprit with our candid camera yet.

In video #1 (all you impatient ones go directly to the 18th second, jeez) you see a typical moment in my house. We're in the kitchen and Bob wants to steal some catnip out of the hanging basket. Jet just sits patiently in wait! While they were up there, couldn't they at least have done their dishes? I suggest you turn the volume up. You can actually hear the...

Whack!
A catnip effect

In video #2 Bob is again exploring the magic catnip basket. Yes, we do realize he has a problem. We're looking for a good catnip detox clinic if you know of one. In any case, you can witness again Jet's whacking technique (35th second for the lazy ones). This is a quiet blow as Jet is constantly trying to perfect her technique.

And Whack

This is what we have to put up with at mi casa. I realize that our situation is embarrassing and that my ego should be at least mildly bruised (along with my head), but I'm old enough to know that all good families have their issues, and mine's no exception. Catnip effects are both our entertainment and possibly our demise. 

Twink!

Cat Rescue | Cat-astrophe & Cat-aclysm

This is Jet, aka Jetson, fat cat, demolition kitty, devil in disguise, "I live for my cat food", catnip rules, etc.

Last night, we had a funny incident at our house. Frankie and I were on Momma's bed, while she was in the shower, when Jet decided to leap up. She landed between the chiweenie and me, so it was clear that she wanted to play, right? Wrong, I say, guessing from Momma's face when she came out of the bathroom.

-Hey, leave Jet alone! She ordered Frankie and me. Poor Jet did seem a bit stressed sitting like a duck between the two of us.

-No! Frankie yelled and charged at Jet.

-No! I yelled and followed suit.

Momma got very upset and grabbed Jet to get her away from us. That's when she burst out laughing.

-My goodness! You're a funny cat, she said to Jet adoringly.

Apparently Jet was nothing close to horrified. She was happily purring. My hat is off to this brave kitty. But you know what they say about "brave". It can be one or the other...

Anyhow, as I was saying, Ms Jet did earn my respect yesterday and today I'd like to tell you a bit about her, our beloved cat rescue. 

In this photo, taken soon after her cat adoption, she's a teenager and she's exploring our loft.

Mom was working at a resort in Greece when she found Bob; a scrawny little brat kitten barely a week old, barely alive, in an Evian cardboard box. Bob's story is cool too, but I'll tell you about it another time. All you need to know is: cat adoption accomplished. Mom had been taking care of Bob for an entire month, trying to teach him all about cat food, even though he still favored the bottle, when one evening she heard another kitten screaming for help. By then, Momma was caring for about 20 stray cats (breakfast, dinner, deworming, the works) plus she was trying desperately to keep Bob alive because he was so sickly. That afternoon, she tried to ignore the pleading kitten cries for an entire hour. That's how long they'd lasted. Momma was pleased with herself for staying strong for once in her life. Her heart was aching, but she was trying to act tough and resist another obvious cat adoption. Her family and friends assured her she had done the right thing (by whom? I ask). Anyway, at midnight, the doorbell rang. Momma went to see who it was and found a young girl holding a big white towel.

"I heard you rescue animals and cats," the girl said.

"Aha...yeah." Mom was being skeptical, as in "what now?"

"I found this kitten," the girl tried to show the kitten that had burrowed in the towel.

"I don't see a kitten," Mom was still using all of her strength.

"It's a kitten. It's been crying all afternoon. It needs a home. Aren't you the cat rescue person?" The girl was confused because she'd obviously been told to go unload the kitten on the crazy animal lady--my mom.

"Look, I can't do this. You can deal, can't you?" Mom was not feeling very sure, but she was trying.

"I guess." The girl turned on her heels to leave when mom came to her senses. She grabbed the white towel with whatever was in it and went back in the room.

Baby Jet (and baby Bob)

The creature in the towel was a terrified and starving for cat food and milkies; it was no other than a rather feral Jet. She had come at midnight, she was totally jet-black, and she was tailless, like Bob. Because of the tail, Mom assumed Bob and Jet were twins from the same litter.

Jet, reluctantly joined the family. She was afraid of everything. Mom tried to find a good cat rescue home for both her and Bob before flying back home to Cali. She took them to a lovely home on an island where she thought they'd be safe. She situated both kitties on a large cozy balcony and sobbing the whole time, procrastinated. Finally, the lady who was going to take care of Bob and Jet accidentally almost closed a sliding glass door on Jet. This was what our Momma was looking for, an excuse. Right after this incident, Mom found a lovely vet in GR who forged Bob and Jet's papers (they were too young by law to travel) and carried them to the US and to their forever home. This was a cat rescue extravaganza and the odds were that Momma would be busted. 

"Maam? These kittens look rather small. Are you sure they're as old as the papers say they are? " An older animal control employee was asking Mom.

Uh-oh! "Well, it's a sad-sad story. They were both starved and their growth was stunted as a result. They had not cat food for weeks." Mom has no qualms to twist the truth in order to get an animal out of trouble. They were allowed to go.

Here's Jet stealing my hospital room (my crate when I was sick)

Jet eventually calmed down completely. Presently, she's so well adjusted that she gets along with everybody. Life would not be the same without my wacky fat sis who bounces off walls and creates havoc wherever she goes. Jet's even brought Mom's old computer down. She's spilled several coffees, broken speakers, mugs, a phone... She's just not very delicate, that's all; especially when she's on catnip. Nothing's done out of malice and we all know that. She also has developed an incredible technique for "getting" the rest of us. She hides in dark corners and then doinks us as we pass by. One can actually hear the thud when she gets us on the head--for real. Jet has such a presence that one can actually hear her stomping up and down the house. I thought cats were supposed to walk softly.

I know I got a bit carried away, but believe me when I say, I could write a book based on Jet's life.

Speaking of catnip effects: Jet enjoying the catnip plant we planted for her.

I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about my illegal immigrant cat rescue sister.

Twink!