Me and my cat

October 12, 2020October 11, 2023

Do you have the best Halloween Costume for your Pet?

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Do you have the Best Halloween Pet Costume figured out yet? Time is ticking!

If you are thinking about dressing your pet up for the holiday, it’s time to have a little fun with your faithful companion. Even cats sometimes like to get in on the holiday dress-up fun. However, it may require a little more convincing or a few extra treats or attention. But I have seen it done.

Why Dress Your Pet?

Dogs and Cats Halloween Costumes are readily available. It’s a fun tradition that many pet parents enjoy with their pets.

Halloween is a good excuse to show off your pet’s personality. And perhaps a little bit of yours as well. I have known some pet parents including their dogs in the families’ Halloween Costume theme. There are a lot of creative people out there. Let’s face it is fun to play dress up and pretend even just for one night. There are also practical reasons as well. In cooler weather, a short-haired dog might enjoy writing a sweater to keep warm. A lovely pampered pooch might appreciate some rain boots to protect their feet from rain or cold. (I have known a few pet parents who appreciate their beloved pet not bringing dirt in after a walk in the rain or snow.)

Most of the time, though is just fun to make your pet the star of the show. Pets steal our hearts and we love to share the love with others. Often an outgoing socialized pet enjoys the attention of strutting around showing off a new outfit. However, a shy pet might not enjoy it as much. Pets are very much a part of the family in our eyes, and we are part of their pack in their minds. Why not include them in a little Halloween costume fun? Provided it isn’t a source of stress.

Amazon’s Best Overall Costume

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What to consider when choosing a pet costume

There are so many fun ideas out there. It is important to remember that at first pets may resist wearing a Halloween Pet Costume. It is not always as fun for them as it is for you. That’s okay, by making it a fun bonding experience, you will have a better chance of changing a pet’s mind. Here are some things to consider.

Make sure it fits comfortably with plenty of room for your pet to sit, jump, stretch, and uh.. “do their business” with ease.
As cute as little buttons and badges can be on an outfit, they can also be a pet choking hazard. I know that my cat, goes nuts for string, like yarn, ribbon, bedroom blinds, so I really have to watch him.
Keep hats or face coverings that get in your pet’s face, to a minimum. It can be hard to see, hear, or breathe with a hat or bonnet on especially if they are not accustomed to wearing one. Animals use body language to communicate therefore it is something to consider when picking out a costume. It’s important to keep this a pleasant experience for your little buddy.

“When we think of canine body language we often think of tail wagging, lip curling when growling and a dog putting their hackles up. It is so, so much more than this and there are a whole host of very subtle signals that your dog may be trying to convey without you even realising it.”
–www.yourdogadvsor.com

There are also amazingly fun creative DIY Halloween costumes for your pets if you are crafty type person. Check out this adorable cupcake costume for your dog from Lovelyindeed.com. It is simple, cute and looks pretty comfortable for the pup.

Other options?

If all fails and you and your pet can’t agree on a costume, there are less intrusive options. Accessories like bandanas or hair clips can add a bit of charm to an already charming dog.

Hocus Pocus Pet Bandana

Costumes Year Round? Why Not?

Additionally, many people dress their dog or cat up year-round. A Halloween Pet Costume isn’t just for fall anymore. It can be a great way to discourage licking a healing area or stitches and it is way more fashionable than a cone. It is a fun way to show support for your favorite sports team or hobby. Bonding with your pet in different ways combats boredom. As I have learned especially spending all this time at home, pets are pretty sweet and patient. They seem to enjoy spending time with as as much as we enjoy time with them. So go ahead, and share some silly adorable moments with your pet. Face it some dogs are really hams ( or goldfish?) and enjoy the camera

A big thank you to Chimmi and her family for sharing her beautiful pictures.

October 4, 2020January 28, 2021

Kitty Kick Stix Have you seen these? Cats Love to Kick

Why do Cats Kick at things?

A gift arrived quickly via USPS Can you guess who was immediately interested?

Kitty Kick Stix is the perfect toy that encourages your cat’s natural kicking instinct. When hunting or defending themselves cats use ferocious tactics included wrapping their front legs around their prey freeing up their back legs. This method is referred to as the “bunny kick” Sounds terrifying right? I suppose it can be for the kitty prey. Fun fact! all felines have this instinct even lions and tigers.

Indoor cats need a lot of toys, especially if they are solitary. A kicking toy can stimulate, entertain, and be used to bond with your cat. All cats like to practice hunting skills, even if they have never been outside. Offering the opportunity for play helps combat boredom, overeating, anxiety and depression in indoor cats.

Where have these Kitty Kick Stix been all of Pizza’s Life?

These well-made cat toys added some fun to otherwise boring days of naps and snacks. When it arrived I could smell the high-quality catnip through the package. Even the dog at home was interested. Initially, I was a little unsure if the fabric would be able to withstand the play, but so far so good. Each product is made with care by hand, once you place the order, they get busy sewing it.

They fill the products with fiber cotton fill and extremely fresh potent catnip. They use a professional-quality sewing machine and an overlock stitch method that reinforces the stitch, that holds this toy together. This kick stick is firmly packed with filler and catnip. However, if your cat is extra rambunctious and you are afraid of a tear, kitty kick stix does offer a “clawtastic” extra strength option for cats with love to kick more enthusiastically. I am not sure it would be necessary, but it’s great they offer the option.

Original 15″ Kitty Kick St i x

Pizza’s Experience

Having an indoor-only cat, I need to make sure my little buddy stays active and entertained. The toy made an excellent first impression on my cat. Although he was a little timid at first, quickly warmed up to it, quickly. I left sticks out for several hours for him to play with it. Pizza interacted with his new kitty kick stix for solid spurts of about 5-10 min each. He did seem to get a little more aggressive towards the dog, he raised a paw once or twice when normally he doesn’t. Reacting a little territorial, maybe he didn’t want to share his new toy. . Who can blame him? When he was done, he flopped down and had a deep sleep after having fun. I may have even heard little kitty snores. In fact, I am pretty sure I did.

Is catnip good for my cat?

Why we love this company

Family Owned Business
Simple concept, very well made ( no batteries or recharging necessary)
Colorful and fun
Quality organic catnip ingredients
Kitty Kick Stix gives to back to animal shelters
Handmade in the USA
Budget-Friendly

What is not to love? They offer different size sizes 6″, 10″ and 15″. Since Pizza, the Cat is a big guy I chose the 15″. it is the perfect size for this 10-year-old male. They have a wide selection of fun fabric to choose from, or if you are anything like me, and can’t make up your mind, they will surprise you. I like that option. Kitty kick stix the toys that cats love to kick

Finally, now that I have ordered and seen the product, I understand why they offer a 2 packs. I will definitely be placing another order soon. I may even be sharing with all my other cat-loving friends. In addition to their original kick sticks, they also offer goldfish kick sticks so cute! Also, they offer catnip pillows and their 100% Organic High Quality Catnip separately.

I try to support small family businesses when I can. This is an awesome quality product that I’m sure you will be glad you purchased. So go check out their stuff. I don’t want to be the one to remind you but It is holiday season, and these would make the perfect pet stocking stuffer.

**** Update**** ONE MONTH UPDATE**** It is holding up nicely….. even the other fuzzy housemate has had a little fun. But no rips or tears. I have rubbed new catnip on it to refresh it.

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October 3, 2020January 17, 2022

Is Catnip Good for A Cats Anxiety?

YES! the catnip scent is very stimulating to cats, most react to it and it encourages play and exercise. Catnip doesn’t harm cats, in fact, my cat Pizza prefers his catnip toys to his other ones. It is non-addictive and can distract before a stressful event and relieve stress in cats

Catnip is a recreational herb enjoyed by many cats all over the world. Nepeta cataria as it is also known by is a member of the mint family. This lovely green perennial has a reputation for attracting cats and driving them crazy, in a good way. As turns out, it has an active ingredient called Nepetalactone found in the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant…

According to a new video from the American Chemical Society, Nepetalactone is a terpenoid, this class of chemicals is also found in cloves, ginger, and cannabis. This chemical actually an aphid sex pheromone designed to attract pests. Additionally, the pheromone also attracts the aphids’ natural predators so aphids fall into nature’s trap, and the catnip can thrive. Now that we know WHY Catnip makes pheromones, how does it affect cats, and is it good for cats? Read on…

Only approximately, 60%-65% of cats react to its effects.

There is a part of a cat’s brain “Jacobson’s organ” that makes the cat reacts to the scent. The scent enters the nasal passages and nepetalactone reacts with proteins in the cat’s brain. It triggers parts of the brain and evokes a behavior similar to that of a cat pheromone. It is fascinating that CBD isn’t the only natural chemical that reacts to the brain.

How do cats react to catnip?

Although catnip can be used to help with anxiety, like CBD oil, mostly it makes your cat feel frisky, it has even been called a cat aphrodisiac. Science is so interesting sometimes. Sadly, a cat’s reactions are a genetic trait, some cats have the trait and some don’t. A kitten under 6 weeks is not usually affected by catnip but it is usually evident by 6 months of age if your kitten will enjoy the benefits of a little catnip from time to time.

Ways Catnip can be beneficial for cats?

Helps relieve stress and anxiety
It encourages the use of scratching post
Promotes socialization
Inexpensive natural product. It is even easy to grow at home.
Reduced Boredom for indoor cats

When playing with a catnip-filled toy, often cats get excited and roll around. It’s fun to watch them enjoy themselves. Some cats start to vocalize, others just enjoy rubbing there faces on the toy and purr with joy.

Cats enjoy the stimulation that usually lasts for about 15-30 min followed by a deep relaxation. Often a cat will take a long nap after play. A catnip filled toy can be a great tool to help entice a shy or anxious cat in a new surrounding, to come out and play. Catnip can be hard to resist. Even large cats like tigers and cheetahs enjoy the benefits of catnip.

Pizza’s experience with Catnip

We have enjoyed Catnip form from time to time. In my experience, Pizza gets really curious. He gets pretty active and playful he likes to bite and kick, which is perfectly normal behavior.

Sometimes cats may even eat catnip or drool with excitement while playing. It is safe to ingest, there are even catnip treats available on the market. When eaten it appears to relax the cat. without the enthusiasm of the scent. Some treats combine catnip with CBD oil. great for stressful times like car rides or company. Occasionally a cat can get a little aggressive “under the influence” of catnip. If you are bringing catnip home for the first time, be aware your feline buddy might get a little wild, fortunately, it will only last for a few minutes. Once olfactory fatigue sets in, then it is nap time.

Fortunately, Catnip is 100% nontoxic, however, overuse leads to laziness and lack of interest. Just kidding, however, It is considered a mild feline hallucinogen, and leaving catnip toys out about once a week is best. Playing with catnip toys too often does lead to a lack of effect. For my indoor-only cat, I like to rotate between catnip-scented toys and his favorite treat puzzles.

Kitty Kick Styx

Good Alternatives to Catnip

For that 30% of the cat population that isn’t affected by catnip, there is an alternative.

Valerian Root – It contains the chemical actinidine. Although it is different and not related to catnip, it is just as effective on cats. Its euphoric effects and relaxation do last longer. It may be more useful if you know your cat will be in a stressful situation, a little playtime with some valerian root beforehand might help. Not all cats are sensitive to valerian, but PizzaCat sure it !

Pizza’s experience with Valerian Root

My experience with Valerian Root? Pizza enjoys catnip and will have a good time with his toys. But Valerian Root? He reacts INSANE to Valerian. I found out the hard way. that he is in love with it. Making a special trip to the herb store, I bought some valerian root for tea for myself. Often used as a sleep aid I was looking for a natural alternative to sleeping pills. I was warned that it has a very distinct odor often compared to “dirty socks” but I had heard it was effective and non-habit forming.

I turned my back for one minute and left my purchase on the counter. Being the big curious boy that Pizza is, one minute was all it took, he quickly found my bag of loose tea and tore it to pieces. Stinky Valerian root tea was all over the floor…. Who would have been able to predict cats react to something other than Catnip? Boy, was he a HAPPY cat! Rolling all over it, whispering sweet nothings into the air, purring loudly. It had the opposite effect on me. I was not as happy, but I got over it. More importantly, I learned that there was more than one benefit of Valerian Root.

Valerian Root Powder

Yes, catnip is good for cats. A non-toxic natural herb that brings a little joy and calmness for your feline friend. The world is a stressful place, especially today. It is important to have a little fun and enjoy yourself and spend time with your cat. .

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September 30, 2020January 19, 2021

National Walk your dog week

October 1, 2020 kicks off National walk your dog week

Walking your dog is an important and enjoyable part of dog ownership. It helps maintain a happy bond, as well as provides mental stimulation and exercise to your pets life.

I don’t know about you but at our house, the dog gets a walk almost every day of the week. Here in Southern California sometimes it does get too hot to go out, but we make the effort to go either early or late in the evening. Lucky for the dog, we all have different schudules, so often we all have a turn taking her out at different times during the day.

Ways walking keep you and your pet healthy

Fosters a bond – My dog pal is actually my roommates senior Goldendoodle. I have lived here for a few years, but it wasn’t until this year that we have been taking regular walks. It has completely changed my relationship with her. In fact, it has even helped her and Pizza my cat get along better as well. I feel like we have bonded and now we spend time together daily working from home.
Great exercise for both of us. – It is hard to get motivated sometimes. However, it is important that dogs (and people) get regular exercise. I am not going to lie, at first it was a challenge to get into a routine. Now that is has been months we have a routine down. We have both build muscle mass and have gone from just a few minutes to 30 minutes on most days. It took a while to build up our distance and speed.
Fights canine obesity– originally this holiday was founded by Colleen Paige. She founded it to bring awareness to canine obesity and behavior.
Helps with “senior” ailments– as dog’s age, many breeds develop arthritis. Regular exercise helps with joint mobility and can help keep the pain at bay. Regular walks strengthen leg muscles and help maintain a healthy weight. Over the last few months, you can really see a difference in our pup’s leg muscles.
Mental Health /Bordem Buster – The quickest way I have found to get in a better headspace is to walk it out. The same holds true for my sweet canine friend. It gets boring just hanging out in the air conditioning all day alone, without entertainment. I can tell when she starts getting restless. On our walks, she thoroughly enjoys the stimulation of all the sights and smells of the neighborhood. She has her favorite lawns to roll on, and her favorite spot to leave her mark. It is important to keep pets stimulated. A happy pet is more likely to be a well-behaved pet.
Combats Stress
Helps with sleep issues– It is no fun when the animals we restless when the household is trying to sleep.
Socialization– It is fun to meet other dogs in the neighborhood, it is good for the doggo. For someone like myself, who is a little awkward and shy sometimes, my pet pal is a great ice breaker. Often I get asked her breed and I have something I can confidently talk about until my nerves settle meeting a new person.

Tips for a stress-free walk

Choose an appropriate collar with i.d., leash, or harness for your dog. -It should fit comfortably, yet well enough in case, during your walk your dog pulls the leash more this week. It is exciting to be out and about. enthusiasm can get the best of even the most well-behaved pet.
Doggy poop bags.– A given. Scooping the poop is an unpleasant yet necessary part of the adventure. Make sure you have them before you go. Your neighbors stay happy, and your neighborhood stays clean. win-win.
Know your route. – We have several routes around the neighborhoods near home. We change it up, turn left instead of right.
Snacks– o.k. training treats “whatever.” I don’t always take these but sometimes it is fun. If we are working on new tricks, I like to change it up. We already know how to shake paws in the kitchen with a treat in hand, But what if we are in the middle of a walk?
Walk when the weather is nice. -Here is Southern California we don’t usually have extremely cold days. However, in the heat of summer and early fall, it gets extremely hot. Especially for little paws. Cement and asphalt can reach much higher temperatures than just the ambient air. It is important to check to make sure it’s not too hot. If you can’t stand barefoot on the driveway, neither can your dog. It is always disappointing to hear are those words “Let’s Go” (code for let’s walk), get excited and all geared up, then step outside and have to come back indoors. I have learned to check before I offer to take her out.
Protection– Unfortunately, being approached or worse, chased down by a stray dog while on a relaxing walk is VERY STRESSFUL. So I recommend also carry a loud whistle , alarm or a flashlight with you. 99% of the time a peaceful walk around the neighborhood is uneventful. But, there is that one time a stray dog, coyote, or other wildlife comes too close for comfort. A deterrent can help in keeping you and your pet safe.

Best Seller Earth Rated Poop Bags ( with easy tie handles, I like those better)

In conclusion, October 1-7, National Walk your dog week, is a great reminder to get out there and enjoy time with your little buddy. If you don’t already go for regular walks, maybe it can challenge you to start a new routine and get moving. It is good for everyone and an enjoyable way to start or end your day.

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September 29, 2020May 28, 2021

How to deal with pet loss

In 2003 I got a puppy from my local shelter, and 2018 is when I had to say my final goodbye to my beloved pet dog Ginger. It is always hard to deal with pet loss. It is heartbreaking and there is a grief period. Honor the loss and allow your self time to heal. Our pets are like family.

Are you noticing your dog getting older?

Writing has always been a way to sort my thoughts. Let me share a diary excerpt about when I said was able to say goodbye to my dear friend. My life circumstances changed in 2007 and Ginger went to live with family members. In 2018 near the end of her life, I was able to go for a visit and I knew it would be the last time I saw her.

“Not much else has reminded me of the passage of time than my girl. Looking at the grey along the muzzle, and the contrast of her dark eyes and the white mask she wears around her eyes, I see how time has marched on. Today, I am so grateful though, that she has been so loved over the years and equally grateful she grew up loved and with kids around.

Today she close to 15yo, old, grey and boney. Her legs are tired and weak unless she’s on a walk. Age has taken its toll, her ribs stick out, her spine is predominate. With every sneeze or ear shake, her body shimmies as if she’s doing a little dance, in reality, she struggles to catch her balance. She is alert and her eyes are a deep dark brown, yet with every snap of a twig or unexpected noise, she jumps. Either her mind wanders off or her hearing is distorted, personally, I like to think its the previous.

In her Youth….

And In my mind, I still see her as a puppy, a troublesome curious pup, who steals loaves of bread from unintended grocery bags and the one who continually squeaks her toys into submission. I almost bought her a new one this visit….it would have only served as a reminder of her youth, not something she would enjoy today, at least not in the same way.

This trip to Oregon had many things on the to-do list. It occurred to me about Tuesday that this will most likely be my last time to say goodbye to this old girl. Today she is hanging..but she is well, old. Still with a little spirit though. Apparently, she escaped the yard and spend a night in doggie jail recently…she has a mug shot now. She also still sly enough to ask for pets, charm those around her, and ask for treats.

I got to walk her today and will walk her again a few more times before I go home. There was the opportunity to lay with her today and cry and thank her. I long time ago when I needed someone she was there, just there. Lying on the couch with me all through the night, She was chubby then and her legs would stick straight off the couch, with her back next to me. In my darkest of times, she had my back..that’s what dogs do, share unconditional love. That was a lifetime ago. Time marches on.. yup…” June 2018

When your Pet Dies: A guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing

Although we only had about four years together, we were bonded. She was my girl. She lived out of state for many years and it was hard to go see her. We were apart for about five years the first time I was able to go visit. her with her new family When I walked in the door, she remembered me and immediately she came right over and sat next to me. I left so loved and it was really sweet after all that time. Dogs absolutely remember their owners.

Coping with Feelings of Loss and Grief

Let’s look at ways you can deal with the pet loss in a healthy way, and ease the pain.

Allow yourself to grieve. I feel very lucky I had time to say goodbye and spend some quality time before the end. It can be traumatic to lose a pet and it is o.k. to feel sad. It is a big deal. No one should belittle your feelings of loss.

Release the guilt – We are caretakers, and often at the end of a pet’s life, it is we have to make heartbreaking decisions. Should we do more? Is my fur baby in pain? Have I done all I can do? Sometimes when saying goodbye is the best option, guilt can take hold. It is a very difficult decision, but trust it is the right one for you and your pet.

Express your feeling about it. Write, Paint, Talk about it with friends. Don’t hold your feeling in. Pets are a wonderful part of our lives. They offer unconditional love, act as an unbiased soundboard, they are an exercise buddy. For us, single folks pets are day to day companions. Seriously, I even share my pillow and blankets with Pizza and an offer bite or two from my plate. …

Seek out support a support group either online or locally. Today Oct 2020 most of our life is turned to an online lifestyle. If you are isolated and having trouble dealing with pet loss, please check out VetVine They are a virtual zoom support group hosted by a group facilitator. Sharing and talking about your feeling is a healthy way to help get past the loss.

Memorialize your pet. It is good to have a ceremony to feel a sense of closure. There are other great ways to keep your pet in your memory. Frame photos of your pet, make a donation in your pet’s name, plant a tree, or shrub in your pet’s honor.

Pet Memorial Glass Art

Take your time take as much time as you need. It is your journey of grief. Some pet owners have other pets at home and decide to adopt soon. Other people feel the need to wait. It is absolutely fine either way. Only you , will know if and when, you will be ready to get another pet.

Custom Pet Urn

Grieving Pet Loss is Normal

Animals become our best friends and confidants. It can be challenging to deal with pet loss. It is very common to go through different stages.

“Losing a beloved pet is often an emotionally devastating experience. Yet as a society, we do not recognize how painful pet loss can be and how much it can impair our emotional and physical health.”
–scientific american.com

Guilt
Sadness
Loneliness
Anger
Depression

The loss of a pet is inevitable they only live for a fraction of time compared to our lives. Yet, they share a history with us and create memories with us. For some of us, they become our closest family members. I am dreading the day when I will have to say goodbye to my feline buddy, but pets bring such joy to my life I can’t imagine not having them around. Remember to be gentle with yourself. You are not alone. Pet loss is not something you have to deal with alone.

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September 26, 2020October 6, 2020

Pal of the Week -Meet Chimmi Look at those ears!

A Wandering Pet pal of the week Chimmi found her forever home. This story really melts my heart. Look at Chimmi and those ears…..Grab a cup of tea and read on.

There is still love in this world and perhaps a little magic.

Chimmi is a 9 year old Chiweenie (half Dachshund half Chihuahua)

Chimmi’s new journey began when was rescued from a backyard breeder who had been breeding her with her own son. She is a “purebred designer breed”, her parents were purebred chihuahua and dachshund. But to keep the line pure often there is inbreeding, especially in backyard breeding situations.

Fortunately, Chimmi’s bright future was just beginning.

Her prospective pet parents were shopping at Petsmart for their cat. They weren’t looking for a new pet but sometimes we get surprises. Petsmart was having an adoption day. It is always fun for animal lovers to go visit and say hello to the prospects.

Click for more information on Petsmart adoptions

” The day we met Chimmi we were at PetSmart getting cat treats because our cat was there getting treated for ear infections. They were having an adoption day and I saw Chimmi sitting quietly in a kennel. The woman running the event was trying to get a 6month old pitbull adopted so she shouted from the other side of the kennels saying “you can open that one and pet her if you want! ” “Chimmi walked out and crawled right into my lap and stayed put.”

The rest is history.

At the time Chimmi was 6 years old therefore was considered a senior. Being older she was in a little harder to adopt and was “on sale” by the adoption agency.

Her new parents took the time to get the house ready, prepare the living space. They made sure they had the time commitment and support of others who would be around the new furry family member.

Two weeks after the initial meeting, the foster mom brought Chimmi over to her new pet parents for a home inspection. With confidence, she was able to leave her, with her new pet parents that day.

That was three years ago and Chimmi has been a happy part of their family ever since. Despite being used for breeding, in her old age she still has a genuine motherly streak. She loves her stuffed hedgehog and carrying her favorite things around with her. I have had the pleasure of meeting this little cutie. It is so heartwarming to see the bond between Chimmi and her owners. Adopting an older pet is an admirable thing to do. Chimmi has many more years to live and love. It is awesome to see an older pet and a young couple come together to bring each other such joy.

If you have a story or would like to see your pet featured on A Wandering Pet, Pal of the Week, Like Chimmi was, reach out! I would love to share it. All pets are special and they all have a story.

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