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2 Cats are Better than 1

8/25/2011

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"One cat just leads to another." - Ernest Hemingway 

 We think Mr. Hemingway knew what he was talking about - after all, this is a guy who has cats named after him!  (The famous polydactyl is nicknamed a "Hemingway" cat. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polydactyl_cat)  We're not saying that you need fifty or so like Mr. Hemingway but two cats are usually better than just one.  Here's why:

·        By having two or more cats, you are able to enjoy the true social nature of cats and their relationships with each other.

·        Cats who have a playmate tend to be more socially well-adjusted and avoid behavior problems like shyness, biting, hissing, being frightened and hiding from the company of people they don't know.

·        Cats need stimulation during the day like humans.  Studies have shown that some animals left alone most of the day in the house have brains that weigh up to 25% less than those that live in the street.

·        In Switzerland, an anti-cruelty law was passed that requires people who are buying/adopting dogs and cats to acquire two instead of one since it is the nature of an animal to have company of his/her own kind.

·        They are less likely to ruin furniture out of boredom.

·        If you must work long hours or travel for a couple of days, two or more cats keep each other company and are more tranquil during your absence.

·        It's more likely that people bring back an adopted cat due to behavior problems when only one has been adopted rather than two.

·        Your cat will remain more playful and youthful into his/her later years with a companion.

·        Cats are much less likely to gain weight due to lack of movement or suffer related illnesses.

·        The workload to care for two cats remains relatively the same.

·        You don't need more space for two cats.

·        Because…two are better than one!
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Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat

8/24/2011

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"A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere." ~ Groucho Marx

Did you know that black cats have the lowest adoption rate and the highest euthanasia rate? Why? We're not quite sure. Maybe it's the superstition factor. Some people say they can't see or make a connection with a black cat in a poorly lit area - and for folks browsing the internet for pets, black cats don't always show up in photographs as well as lighter colored felines (it can be difficult to take a good photo of a black cat for our website listings). For whatever reason, black cats are statistically less likely to be adopted than more brightly colored felines.

Black cats are also most often ignored by many rescue groups because they are so hard to place. These cats are often left waiting in shelters with hopes of finding a loving home, only to be destroyed once their time is up.  We do our best NOT to discriminate based on color.  It is true that our black cats often take longer to find homes – and that they take up much needed foster space during kitten season.  But our philosophy is that ALL cats deserve a safe and loving home. Therefore, if you are thinking of adding a kitty to the family, here are the top 10 reasons to pick a black cat!                                                                  

10.    You can always find your black cat in the snow. OK, no snow in Florida ...but you can find them easily on any light colored surface such your carpet or your floral bedspread.  

9.      Everything goes with black.  It's true. You know it. We know it. You've got your black power suit on, a white cat jumps on your lap - it's all over. But if your black cat wants a little love and affection, no harm done --your look is only enhanced!  

8.      Black cats look like mini panthers. Their regal breeding is very apparent under their sleek black coats.  Adopt one of these exotic creatures and experience the wild side.

7.      A black cat will match any décor. You won't have to redecorate your house to coordinate with your cat. They are totally willing to pose on gold velvet, white velvet, pink velvet, or your sofa cushion - to add taste and beauty to any room of your home. They'll perch on the brocade chair; sleep on the rug; curl in the middle of the bed. You name it, they're willing to go to great lengths to help you make your home beautiful. They’re just that special.               

6.      Black is beautiful. There's the deep auburn shaded black, the blue black, the black with tiny white highlights here and there, the sophisticated black, the fluffy black, the black with downy soft fur, the black with yellow eyes, the black with green eyes, the black with grey eyes ... well, you get the picture. Black is not just black; there are as many different kinds of black cats as there are cats!  

5.     Bad Luck, Schmad Luck! When you love a black cat, luck is on your side!  Superstition is really just a matter of geography - if you lived in Asia or the U.K., black cats are considered GOOD LUCK!  But we really believe that Groucho is right -- a black cat is nothing more than… a black cat.  Who has the potential to be your best friend/playmate/confidante/beloved companion. 
 

4.     Black cats have more fun. You only thought blondes had more fun. Black cats are fun-loving, playful, full of spark and energy. It's almost as if they try harder to overcome the ridiculous image they are somehow dull and dreary.   It's actually quite the opposite.  They tend to have the best personalities and be the most loyal of kitties. They're like the sun streaming in a window on a rainy day;  like the circus coming to town; they're just plain funtastic.                               

3.     Black cats are loving. Look, we know their reputation -- scary. You've seen the illustrations -- skinny cats with nasty long teeth and bristly hair.  We guarantee they're nothing like that. The black cats we know go overboard to be as affectionate and loving as any fluffy, white, pink-nosed bunny kitty could be, AND you get all the other benefits we've listed, too.                                          

2.     Love knows no color! Your cat doesn't care what color you, your hair, or any human might be.  They realize what truly matters.  Felines might not be color blind but when it comes to love, they know what's important.

And the # 1 reason to adopt a black cat is that…Black Cats are the least likely to get adopted!  Adopting a black cat might not change the world, but surely, the world will change for that one black cat.

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Special to a Cat

8/23/2011

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"When you're special to a cat, you're special indeed...she brings to you the gift of her preference of you, the sight of you, the sound of your voice, the touch of your hand." ~ Leonore Fleisher

We have many cats at SWK that love everybody and purr the minute you pick them up.  Truly affectionate, wonderful lap cats.  But we also have some furry terrors!  They come to us feral, maybe abused or traumatized, never knowing the kindness of a human.  They swat, hiss and growl.  But then something magical happens…they find someone special.  Someone with patience and love, someone willing to let them be grouchy and independent.  And next thing you know - that cat becomes the most devoted friend you've ever had.  That kitty will look into your eyes and know what you're thinking, probably because she's thinking it, too.

Everyone else?  Oh, it's safe to say she will pretty much hate them!  It's probably best not to have children within say…a mile.  This cat is still a little monster.  But she'll be YOUR little monster and will give you all the love and loyalty you can handle.  All meant just for you.  I would say that makes you special, indeed.
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Tips for a Happy Cat

8/18/2011

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Everybody loves a happy cat!  When they rub up against you and start to purr... well, it just melts your heart.  (Or it should. Because if it doesn't, you are made of stone!)  Let's talk about some ways you can make the cat in your life purr with contentment.

(Remember that some kitties become easily overstimulated and can only be petted for a short time.  You can s-l-o-w-l-y build that up by going just a couple of seconds over their maximum each successive interaction.  Signs of overstimulation are ears back, tail switching, play biting, etc.  Don't panic and pull your hands away -- if you stay calm and stop moving, your cat will relax again.  In the future, you want to stop just short of overstimulation but keep working toward longer and longer periods of petting.)

1.    Chin rubs. Most cats love a good chin rub. When relaxed, most cats will stretch their little heads as far as they can and almost groan with pleasure.

2.    Offer a New Catnip Toy. Most cats love a good catnip toy... as long as the catnip is fresh, high quality stuff.

3.    Rub Just in Front of the Tail. This is a spot cats just can't reach. When you rub here, they love it so much that they almost go crazy.

4.    Plenty of Toys. Variety is important. Offer plenty of toys so your cat will not get bored with the same toy. There are lots of great toys for cats that like to chase and play.  Find out if your feline likes a string fling, feather flick stick or fuzzy mouse.

5.    Outer Ear Rubs. Another spot most cats can't reach to really scratch is their ears. Try giving the lower earflap a good gentle rub. Take it between your thumb and index finger and give it a gentle massage using circular motions - very softly and gently.

6.    Give Your Cat a View. Place a chair or table near a window with an interesting view. It is important to have things to enrich your cat's life. Cats love being able to observe the outside world.

7.
    Base-of-the-Ear Rubs. Most cats love this. Grab the ear at its base and gently massage. Most cats will lean toward you and purr away.

8.    Create a New Cat Hideout. Offer a box with a towel or soft blanket in it to create a new "retreat" for your cat.  Or drape a sheet over a table or chair to create that cave atmosphere they like so much.

9.     Nose Rubs. Some cats love having the tip of their nose scratched - go with and against their hair growth. This is another spot they can't reach.

10.   Give a Special Human Treat. How about a small piece of chicken or a smidgen of tuna fish?  You will get lots of kitty love for this!

11.   Belly Rubs. Some cats hate having their bellies touched and others love it. I know cats that roll over like a dog to have their bellies rubbed - for them, this is a very special treat!

12.   Marinade. Pick up some of your old cat toys and marinade them in some fresh catnip. Then reintroduce them in a week or two.

13.  Grooming. Some kitties really like to be brushed and there are many different kinds of grooming tools available.  Try them out and find out which your cat likes best.
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Kids & Pets

8/16/2011

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These photos are the best evidence of why kids should have pets.  Say it with us...AWWWWW!
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PETS ONLY ALLOWED

8/5/2011

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YES!  MORE OF THIS, PLEASE!!!  Here are some humans that get it.  Minimum 3-4 cats...how awesome is this landlord?  I am purring just thinking about it.

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    I'm every cat and I've got lots of opinions, orders and observations for you humans out there.

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Smitten With Kittens is an all volunteer, no kill 501(c)3 non-profit, foster-based kitten rescue supporting Tallahassee, Florida. Because we are a network of foster homes, we are limited to the number of kittens we can assist. But we try one life at a time. Foster, Volunteer, or Donate. Your efforts will HELP US SAVE A LIFE!
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