Soft Paws update

Three weeks ago, we put the soft paws on our cats' front claws.

The reasons we wanted to decrease their claw sharpness was because of them scratching us, especially when they would go to jump off our laps. Is that normal? I don't ever remember my previous cats scratching my legs so much when they'd go to jump down. Lewis and Ebony always extend their hind claws. It's rather frustrating.

Anyways, for that reason, we think that the Soft Paws work best for us when they're put on both the front paws and the hind paws. Which means we use up one package at a time, which is rather expensive.

They seem to be doing their job, though. I think it took about a week before any of them fell off. Now, they probably have about half still on their claws, and alternating so they still can't use their claws for anything. I must admit it was quite funny to watch them try to jump on things and miss because they couldn't grab hold with their claws. :-)

However, I'm not sure we'd buy more because I think it's just as easy and cheaper to clip their claws. I'll have to ask my husband his opinion though.

One of my problems with the Soft Paws also relates to one of my problems with declawing a cat surgically (which I'm very against). Should my cats ever get out of the house, they would be defenseless. So I think for me I feel more comfortable continuing to clip their claws and accepting that the scratches are one of the sacrifices of being a cat owner.

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Lewis and the tent

Here are some pictures of Lewis playing in our tent, which was set up in our dining room/hallway:

A new toy

My husband and I are going camping this weekend, so we set up the tent in our living room to make sure we knew how to put it up (in case it is after dark when we arrive at the site). We left the tent up for a few days, mostly because who doesn't like a tent in one's living room?

My cats were SO excited about this new toy we got for them! At first they were wary, but soon they figured out that they could hop in the door and curl up on the sleeping bags. They also thought it great fun to attack each other - one in the tent and one outside it. Anytime I was laying inside it, I could be guaranteed that one of two things would happen: Lewis would join me, crawl into the sleeping bag; or that if my legs or arms brushed against the side Ebony would start attacking from outside the tent. Fearful that they would rip holes in the side, I couldn't do anything but verbally tell them to get away. And of course you know how well cats listen!

Tonight we put the tent back in its bag so we could put it in the car. I'm sure the cats will be sad to miss out on their new toy. I guess they'll just have to be content with their cube:



(I got some pictures of them in the tent, but I'm too tired tonight to get the pictures onto the computer. I'll post those later!)

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Cutting your kitty's claws

I have been cutting my cats' claws ever since I got them. It's a good thing to do if you're having trouble with your cat tearing up the furniture or the carpet. It's especially good if your cat is inside-only, as being outside they can more naturally keep their claws trimmed.

It's really not difficult to trim the claws; the hardest part is getting your kitty to cooperate. We like to do it in the evenings when our cats are more sedentary. We usually wait until one crawls in our lap to fall asleep, and then we gently pull out the clippers.

You can use regular nail clippers, but we have nice ones made for cats. I've used both and I think the latter is worth the $5. :-) You can buy them anywhere that sells pet supplies - we got ours from Wal-Mart.

When you're about to cut your kitty's nails, you'll want to get a firm hold on him. Gently press on the pads of his paw to make him extend his claws. Then gently clip each nail while continuing to keep the claws extended. Be careful not to trim too far down. There is a soft pinkish area called the quick that has the nerves and blood vessels that are found in the cat's claws. Trim just before the quick, and if in down just trim a little bit. Take it easy - if you're relaxed, your cat will more likely be relaxed too.

This is just a basic overview. I may int he future address what can be done if your cat isn't as keen on the whole nail-clipping idea as you are. :-)

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Puppy adoptions

I received this in an email this morning.

The Marion Grant Humane Society (in Marion, Indiana) is closing and they will euthanize all of the puppies that haven't been saved by the end of June. I'm including the information that I have and the link. If you know of anyone looking for a new four-legged member of the family, please encourage them to look here first. Thanks everyone!

Dogs will be euthanized if not adopted closing at the end of June (roughly) and any animal there on that day will be euthanized. 2 other volunteers and myself went down to take pictures and bios of their dogs. We told them we would try to help place as many as we could in rescue groups. We are reaching out to all of the area rescues asking if anyone can help. I chose to reach out to the bully breed rescues as I own a pit mix and am fostering a pit bull and I LOVE them both dearly. I have included a link to the pictures that Cindy Falstad took that day. If you can help please let me know by e-mail or phone 847-371-1147 or 847-404-8143. Transport will be provided.
Thanks in advance,
http://picsbycindy.com/marion_grant_dogs.htm

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The orange ones

This is from a while ago, but it never fails to make me smile.


see more crazy cat pics

Weekly link roundup

following an unknown path: take me with you PLEASE!!!
"Gilby really doesn't want to be left behind." This is an adorable blog post about my bloggy friend Amanda's puppy Gilby.

mental_floss Blog » 8 Sports Your Dog Can Play
"If movies have taught us nothing else, it’s that animals have great potential as athletes."

How to Crochet a Cat Hat - wikiHow
"With these instructions, you can crochet a charming hat for your kitty. You'll probably spend a lot more time making this hat than your cat will spend wearing it..., but it's still a fun, easy project for a beginning crocheter (and avid cat lover)."

Dog Survives 8 Days Buried In Explosion Rubble - Denver News Story - KMGH Denver
"A Springer Spaniel that had been missing since a Breckenridge building explosion on April 19 was found alive Sunday, buried in the rubble."

Ducks trapped in lake of toxic sludge - CNN.com
"About 500 migrating ducks were dead or dying after landing on a pond owned by oil-sands company Syncrude Canada Ltd., officials said."