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!

Just Hanging With the Cats

Hey, whatcha looking at? Both of yous!

I'm just hangin'.

Same here, dude. Whassup?

You did notice this isn't catnip, right?

It's pizzle! My dog treat.

Can I have some of that?

It's not over until the chiweenie sings.

Twinkie

Pregnant Cat Emergency Foster

Just when M said she wasn't able to adopt another pet, along comes a pregnant cat in need of a home, prenatal and post natal care, and a bunch of kittens who will also need a home. M says this one is just a foster but she's said that before. We don't know anything yet. We've been educating ourselves over the past few days, and I'll have tons of cat pregnancy information and tips real soon. The kitty however, couldn't wait to make her blog debut. I hereby present you with Farrah, the feral ghetto kitty from South Central L.A. For the skeptics, do not fret. This is going to be Farrah's one and only litter! Snip snip...

The pregnant cat has just arrived at her new home

She's tiny and probably real young too

She decided to explore the famous yellow bathroom first

Not sure why, but all our cats love this bathroom

Max, the Maine Coon cat, was the welcome committee

After this initial encounter, they both forgot about each other

The tailless twins though, can't stand the poor kitty

I, the teacup chihuahua, had to say "hello" too

I just prefer a safe distance

She soon found the clean laundry pile

Please don't have the kitten birth there

Affectionate pregnant cat

Flashing her pregnant tummy

Her first catnip experience

She sniffed but showed no other interest in it

Farrah's arrival was a shocker. We have no idea when the kittens are due since we don't know how long Farrah has been pregnant. We're going to do right by her and love and nurture her for now. We are both excited and a tad nervous. Welcome to our family,
Farrah.

Twinkie

Fleas On Dogs | 'Tis The Season

Flea season usually starts in early spring and lasts through December depending on how warm the weather is. Fleas hatch more successfully in warm weather. If you're going to treat your yard, start as early as February. Most dog owners opt for treating their dog directly because it's easier and less costly, are they doing the right thing though? Lately flea control has been getting a bad rep and is considered a carcinogen, so dog owners are caught between a rock and a hard place, to medicate or not to medicate and what are the alternatives to commercial dog flea repellants? Fleas on dogs is an issue every dog owner has to face. 

Dogs love to roll on grass but so do fleas

FLEA CONTROL OPTIONS

1.Toxic Flea control

Insecticidal powders or shampoos

Spot on medication

Aerosol flea bombs

Impregnated flea collars

2. Flea Control Tablets

Those work by sterilizing the female fleas so that the eggs she lays are sterile and don't hatch. This method breaks the cycle of the flea right from the start. It is safer than toxic pesticide.

3. Natural Dog Flea Treatment Alternatives
The environmental choice that is the safest for all involved (discussed in detail below)

DOG FLEA TREATMENT SIDE EFFECTS

Nowadays with all new kinds of dog allergies present, flea control adds an extra burden often causing a reaction from mild irritation to full blown allergies, and it can even cause cancer and death. 

There is a plethora of dog flea prevention products on the market that make it hard to chose one that will not have an adverse effect on your dog. Until recently, it was believed that products available through your dog vet are safer than the ones sold "over the counter",  often sold in bulk, and of course cheaper.  This has all changed. We are now aware that toxic flea control can have devastating effects. Just a couple of days ago, a dog rescue owner was complaining about a midnight bath. He was explaining how he administered a spot-on flea product and two of his rescue dogs were making circles, rubbing themselves on the furniture, wheezing, and reverse coughing. He gave them a "midnight bath" so they could get rid of the poison and get a good night's rest. 

Spot-On Pesticides such as Zodiac, Bio Spot, and Frontline are presently considered to trigger adverse reactions in your pet. They can shorten life span and cause terminal illness and premature death. Studies have shown a correlation between Spot-On Pesticides and thyroid cancer (also believed to be a possible human carcinogen), loss of appetite, reduced fertility and heightened fetus mortality, liver, kidney, heart, lung, spleen, adrenal, and brain damage. The neurotoxins in those products can also cause headaches, eye and throat irritation, convulsions, barking, salivation, incoordination, tremors, increased dog aggression, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting… and the list goes on. It is long and scary. Itching, also known as pruitus, is the most commonly reported side effect. The message is clear: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that products intended to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks kill hundreds of pets each year and injure tens of thousands. They also stated their commitment to better protect the health and safety of pets and families. Are we poisoning the dog fleas or our dogs? 

Pruitus, the lesser of all evils

SAFER AND NEWER FLEA TREATMENT OPTIONS

Get rid of your old flea meds if they contain chemicals classified as "organophosphate insecticides," also known as OPs. They are considered to be harmful not only to your dog, but to your children and yourself. 

Alternatives to OP based meds are often available only through your dog vet. Some of these products are: Comfortis (oral), Capstar flea control (oral), Program (oral), Sentinel (oral), Promeris (oral), and Fronline (topical, applied to skin).  These products seem to cause fewer side effects but they do not guarantee that a dog suffering from allergies won't react badly to them. For example, the Capstar flea control remedy claims to start working within 30 minutes and a great safety profile as far as safety is concerned, yet, a quick search on the internet proves that this flea medication too can have it's share of allergic reactions. Speaking of the Capstar flea control remedy, it's main ingredient, Nitenpyram is a prescription drug and can only be obtained by prescription. 

NATURAL AND SAFE ALTERNATIVES

Herbal shampoos that contain bergamot, rosemary, citronella, juniper, geranium, eucalyptus, and lavender. Make sure you lather your dog's head too, so if there are fleas present, they don't simply migrate on his head to wait it out. Leave the suds on your dog for a few minutes so they work better. You can also rub your dog with basil, fennel, rosemary, or bicarbonate of soda and then simply brush out the residue. 

You can try adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog's water and sprinkle some garlic powder or Brewer's Yeast on his food.

For carpets, sprinkle Borax or Diatomaceous Earth for a minimum of half an hour (more effective if left overnight), and then vacuum. Keep the dog out of the room until you're done vacuuming. 

For your yard, I recommend you plant catnip and marigold (natural pesticides) in places your dog frequents. 

Use a flea comb, keep your pet clean, use flea repellants, like herbal flea powders and the natural flea reppelants mentioned above, in between baths. Maintain your dog's sleeping quarters clean and add some cedar chips to his bedding. Keep your dog as healthy as possible because healthier dogs do not draw fleas to them like ones with compromised immune systems. 

Bonus Dog Flea Management Light Trap

This isn't really a solution to a flea infested home, but it's a good indicator of whether or not you have fleas present. Take a shallow pan and fill it up to the rim with water and a bit of dish soap. Dawn is the dish soap of choice since it is considered safer for animals and lots of rescue organizations prefer it. Place the pan on top of a white cloth and shine a light on it while the rest of the house remains dark (feel free to leave it out overnight underneath a night light). Silly fleas are attracted to the light and dive like kamikazes into the concoction. The only problem is, fleas can't swim, and that's a good thing, in our case. 

What to do? Just the fact that you're reading this means you're a responsible dog owner who's getting educated. Now that you've done your research you are ready to make an educated decision based on your dog's and family's needs and limitations. Best of luck to all of us, especially our dogs who rely on us. 

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 

Pet Photo Contest | Cat-O-Lympics?

Did Somebody Say Pet Photo Contest?

My furiend, Huffle, inspired by the Winter Olympics, decided to host his own Olympic event. The event is a pet photo contest, labeled Competitive Napping. To tell you the truth, I'm a bit tired from all the recent pet photo contests, but a napping event? How sweet! I can do this with my eyes closed. The rules are as simple as the task at hand. I need to submit a napping photo anytime between now and midnight Friday. All kitties and pups who think they can nap as kitties are eligible to enter, in Huffle's own words. 

And now, representing Twinkie's blog. Let's have the contestants please.

Our first contestant is a cat-nap (and catnip) veteran. I give you Bob!

BOB

Now on to our second contestant. Beware, she is a cat-nap (and catnip) veteran as well.

JET

The next contestant, although not a pro in napping, he's an inept user of catnip, and he's still a force to content with. 

MAX

Linguini is one cool cat. I'm just not sure whether the photo I picked is appropriate for a napping contest or a crashing one. 

LINGUINI

Last, but of course not least, we have a pair of contestants. Notice how they nap in a complicated formation. Notice the difficulty of the terrain. If that's not Olympic caliber napping, ladies and gentlemen, then I ask you, what is? 

TWINKIE and FRANKIE

This concludes our pet photo contest entries

As you know, I have the tendency to talk trash to intimidate my competition, so BRING IT ON!

Twink!

Maine coon cat Max: His Story

Alright, get your tissues ready. I'm geared up to talk to you about Maxwel, Maximilian the Grrreat, Maxine (because he sounds like a girl), Maxi, etc. Our newly adopted main coon cat.

MAX in the shower

Momma was coming home from the animal shelter and she was supposed to bring home a large Akita and German Shepherd mix, Darla--only. Well, as it turns out, when M goes to the pound, ya never know what she'll bring home. So, I wasn't terribly surpised when she got out of the car, Darla's leash in hand and a huge box in the other. What was that box doing there and what was in it?

As M was leaving the shelter with her daughter, my beloved Sissy D, they discovered that one of the cat cages had a notice on it. Of course they rushed in the office to enquire. Max's hours were numbered. Momma tried to plead with the shelter, to give her 'till Monday (it was a weekend), but they shook their heads and confirmed that Max would NOT be around on Monday.

"Well, in that case, wrap him up!" M is decisive that way. Apparently, not only was Max "too old", he was eight, he had also been adopted out once. He had made it to the parking lot. Between the animal shelter and the lot he had apparently coughed up such an enormous cough ball that the lady turned around in her heels and returned him! OMD the fool!

It was July of 2008 the day M brought Max home. She hadn't even seen him at the animal shelter, not a glimpse. He had been curled up at the back of his cage at the shelter and he was barely visible. We all got to see him for the first time when he started coming out of his box, and coming, and coming, there was no end to this dude. Max is enormous! I now know that it's normal for a maine coon cat. He's much bigger than me, no surprise there, but he's also much bigger than the twins, the catnip addicts, Bob and Jet.

Max was covered in poo and we all held out breaths at both his beauty and his stench. M took care of the latter and we could all breathe again. Underneath the poo was one of the most gorgeous kats we'd ever seen.

This is Max the day he came home.

The face! This dude was not supposed to enjoy life any longer? What?!

See the "M" shape over his eyes? We think he's a Maine Coon Cat

The problems with Max became obvious immediately. M would occasionally and half-heartedly try to find him another home. I'd hear her on the phone: "I'm looking for a home for Max. He's awesome. He's the best. We should all adopt a pet. You can only have him if you really want him, because I want to keep him. Plus he has a couple of health issues. I love him sooo! Are you sure you can provide him with the best home, because actually, no, never mind, I want him." Needless to say, nobody dared adopt Max from my mom. But there was also no controlling the twins, out tailless cats. They hated. The reason? I personally believe they're still afraid of him. It's been a year and a half since then, but things haven't changed much. We've seen very little blood, and their fights are a mockery, but they do not get along. M got a bunch of feline anti-anxiety sprays, some herbal potions, and she did everything the experts said, but it didn't make a difference. M had a personal problem with Max too. He didn't want her. She'd try to pet him, and he'd worm away. She'd find him lying about contented, attempt to touch him, and he'd move. I could see the disappointment in her face. The worst part was, that when my human siblings would visit, Max was all over them, begging to be petted. What's up with that cat behavior? M is a charmer (with animals mainly, don't get me wrong), where was her mojo? My guess is her mojo left along with that first poo she had to clean off him.

Rescue Maine Coon Cat in his bed on his bed in his own bedroom

We lived like this for eighteen months, when M decided to get Max an As Seen on TV EmeryCat Scratch Board. Scratch boards are Max's passion, plus he hates having his nails clipped. So, M ordered him two and held her breath. Would they work on Max's nails? Would they make him happier? The Emery Boards finally arrived. They came with a kitty toy, that Max loves and two cheap looking de-shedder tools. Hmmm, M put the tools aside. She's got the Furminator and she loves it, even though Max winces and tries to squiggle away from her, somehow they were getting the hang of it. Golly, this almost sounds like a review, but I can't tell you much about the Emery yet. I need more time to have a educated opinion. Anyhow, the cheap looking de-shedders were abandoned in some kitchen drawer, until ...

Happy Max The Yogi

Friday night, a long time after we adopted Max from the animal shelter, we were all hanging in the living room, and what do I see? Max is all over M being brushed with the de-shedder and purring loudly. I guess Max didn't like the Furminator, his loss. M was mesmerized while Max was hypnotized. They remained there for about half an hour, while Bob made uneasy circles around them, vocalizing his frustration. Frankie put an end to it. She got fed up. She went up to Max's face and yelped "My turn!". He got the message and left to play with the fluffy cat toy that came with his EmeryCat. I have never seen a shinier kat. I have never seen Max more content. As for me, I'm a lady, and I patiently remained on my heating pad from where I observed all I just recounted, even though, between us, I was dying for my turn!

There's a feeling of tranquility in my home that wasn't there before. I want to believe that the Max-saga is coming to a fast end. We want him not just alive, but happy too, and he's finally getting it. What can I say, katz may be able to catch birds in the air, but when it comes down to their IQ, they are slower than k9s. Oh, I can also say that EmeryCat's de-shedders get an A+ from me, as does the Furminator for the rest of us. 

Twink!

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!