My cat CeCe is very vocal. She’s mostly vocal in the morning, although she’s been vocal late at night which can throw off my sleep! My other cat, Benny, is quiet; except when he’s purring on my lap.

Cats have a wide range of sound other than the usual meow. They hiss, growl, scream, chirp, and chatter. The most famous vocalization is the purr — it’s very soothing to the ear. Of course, some cats are on the quiet side. You hardly hear a “peep” out of them!

Cats hiss, growl (CeCe), and scream when they are frightened or aggravated. CeCe will growl at Benny when he tries to get her attention because he wants to play. CeCe usually swats Benny in the face, but Benny doesn’t get the message; it takes a few swats to the face for him to realize that CeCe wants to be left alone.

If your indoor cat makes a chirping or chattering sound followed by clicking of their teeth, they probably spotted a bird outside. A cat will chirp and or chatter when he looks at potential prey without being able to get to it. He may jump up and lunge towards the glass — watch out for this action!

When you cat is happy and content, she’ll let you know it by purring. It’s very soothing to listen to a cat purr as she sits in your lap. How a cat is able to purr is still a mystery. But, most cat experts believe purring is occurs when the muscles of the larynx contract in rapid succession.

Did you know that the Cheetah is the only large cat with a true purr?

Occasional vocalization is normal. However, if your cat is too vocal, you may want to take her to your veterinarian. There could be something wrong with her. Cats communicate through their vocals and some are more vocals than others. Take this into consideration when you adopt and rescue a cat. Make sure you find a cat that matches your personality. You’ll have a friend for life!

Rebecca

How vocal is your cat? Share your experiences.

Using a pet sitter is a great way to ensure that your cats will be taken care of while you’re on vacation. I used TLC House and Pet Sitting Service, LLC located in the East Valley of Arizona (Phoenix area). They were very professional. This is not a “fly by night” pet sitting service. I’d recommend TLC House and Pet Sitting Services the next time you go on vacation because they care about what they do and the service they provide.

Leaving your cats with a pet sitter can be traumatizing for you and your cats. It’s best to review as many pet sitting services as possible before you settle on one. This is what I did. I compared and contrasted information such as pricing, availability, references/testimonials, and location.

Tips and Tricks

• Ask pet sitters about organizations such as National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International. Find out if the pet sitter is associated with these organizations.
• Speak with family and friends. Find out if they’ve used a pet sitter and ask for a referral.
• Use your “gut instinct” when you speak with a potential sitter. Never leave your cats with someone you do not trust.
• Do you homework and research companies and people. You want to hire a pet sitter who is reliable and actually likes pets!

I found TLC House and Pet Sitting Services, LLC to be one of the best. First, they contacted me. Business owners often complain that business is down. Well, if you don’t call people back when they inquire about your services, your business will suffer. The owner of TLC House and Pet Sitting Services immediately contacted me and we discussed my needs and what services were offered by her company. When I spoke with Kara, I felt very at ease and knew my cats would be in good hands.

TLC House and Pet Sitting Services, LLC employs many pet sitters. Brittany was my pet sitter. She was very professional, and I felt comfortable with her watching my cats. I was concerned about my cat CeCe because she’s very attached to me. I left a message and Brittany immediately returned my phone call. I received an update on Benny and CeCe. Both of them were doing fine, although Benny was the one who wanted a lot of attention, go figure!

I would recommend TLC House and Pet Sitting Services, LLC. They are caring, courteous, and professional at all times. For more information, visit TLC House and Pet Sitting Service, LLC and find out how they can be of service to you and your cats.

Rebecca

What has been your experience with a pet sitter?

This is a quick post because I will be leaving in a few to fly back to Arizona from Ohio. I left my cats, Benny and CeCe with a pet sitter from the TLC Pet Sitting located in the East Valley of Arizona. I must admit that I was very nervous leaving them with a complete stranger, but it worked out. I will be writing a review of TLC Pet Sitting and my thoughts on using a pet sitter versus boarding your cats. Toodles!

Rebecca

They say that people “go wacky” around the full and new moons. Is this true for animals? I know my cat Benny has been acting up for the past couple of days. His sister CeCe has been hiding from him. Could it be he’s feeling the “pull” of the full Blue Moon that will occur on December 31, 2009? An eclipse will occur on December 31 as well. Is Benny feeling the energy of these to celestial occurrences? Whatever it is, he’s been one naughty cat!

It makes sense that cats would experience ups and downs just like humans. Why not? They get everything else humans get from allergies to deadly diseases. They are susceptible to feeling blue just like their owners. The key is to know how to handle their emotional outbursts. Don’t get upset or scold your cat. Pickup your cat and hold him for some time. If that doesn’t work, just leave him alone.

Tips and Tricks

• Spend more cuddle time with your cat.
• Separate your cats if one is “acting up” more than usual.
• Keep your cat entertained with toys; toss Mr. Fuzzy (stuffed mouse) around for some time.
• Give your mischievous cat a time out.

Cats who are bored can get into trouble. Make sure you have plenty of toys for him to play with every day. It’s a good idea to have a kitty condo or two for him to climb. Indoor cats need more exercise than outdoor cats. Perhaps Mr. Fluffy is misbehaving because he’s bored and has nothing else to do. Remedy that by providing a stimulating environment for him.

The next time your cat is having an emotional outburst, let him have his moment. Remember that saying, “…this too shall pass.” If it persists, you may want to take him to your veterinarian for an examination. If your vet doesn’t find anything wrong with your cat, ask for suggestions on keeping your cat happy and healthy. Hopefully she won’t put your cat on anti-depressants, just kidding!

Rebecca

When do your cats experience an emotional roller coaster?

I recently watched a video of a kitten squishing himself into a couch. It made me think about my cat Benny. He loves boxes — his favorite is the microwave box that is in the closet. Whenever I open the closet door, he climbs into the microwave box. Sometimes I don’t even know he’s in the closet because he’s very quiet. This is why it’s important to know where your cats are at all times. You could toss out the cat in the box!

Cats love to crawl into corners, couches, and boxes. When you can’t find your cat, he’s probably hiding in a box or in a corner somewhere in your home. They sure do love a good game of hide and seek!

Before you bring a kitten home, “kitten proof” the house because they will find small spaces to crawl into and getting them out can be tricky. You could buy a baby gate to keep them out of the kitchen and from entering the basement.

If you can’t find your cat or kitten, look inside the couch. You never know what you will find besides loose change. Before guests arrive, make sure your cat is not in the furniture. You don’t want your cat or guests letting out a holler.

The Cat in The Hat is a famous story by Dr. Seuss, but today cats replace the hat with boxes, corners, tight spaces, and furniture. When you can’t find your cat, check your empty boxes!

Rebecca

Where does your cat or kitten like to hide? Share your stories.

A cat adoption fee can be as low as $25 or $35 at your local Humane Society! Certain states such as Arizona have a high kitten season that lasts into October and November. Thousands of kittens are brought to shelters for adoption. One way to ensure the cats and kittens are adopted is to offer special pricing. It works because in one weekend 223 cats and kittens were adopted from the Arizona Humane Society. The empty cages were a sight to see!

It’s easy for cats to get adopted when the cat adoption fee is low. Some people go to a shelter to adopt a dog or puppy, but end up with a cat or kitten. Dog and puppies have higher adoption fees. And, people may not be ready for the responsibility of dog; cats are a bit more independent.

A low cat adoption fee during the holiday season could result in many cats being adopted as holiday presents. Hopefully, the expectant receivers are allowed to have a cat. Before you adopt a cat as a holiday gift, make sure the person receiving the warm and fuzzy new friend is allowed to have a cat. The Humane Society will contact the landlord to ensure that the cat is allowed in the apartment, condo, townhome, or house.

With a low cat adoption fee, many cats will be adopted into homes. This is the best gift anyone can give. You’ll brighten someone’s day with a great cat which will have a forever home to call its own!

Rebecca

How much did you pay for your cat?

For many years, pet owners did not have many options when it came to their cats. They could board them at their veterinarian’s office or turn to family, friends, neighbors, or a professional boarder. These solutions are seldom ideal. Pet sitting is a business that has taken off in the past few years. Find a pet sitter who will take care of your cats as you do.

When you look for a pet sitter, there are few key points to look for. First, make sure the pet sitter is licensed, bonded, and insured. Look for the NAPPS logo. This stands for the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

Another logo to look for is Pet Sitters International. They are “dedicated to educating professional pet sitters and promoting, supporting and recognizing excellence in pet sitting.” PSI offers members’ access tools that will help them maintain quality standards through first class education. Pet sitters are given the latest information on dog and cat sitting, exotic bird care, pet care safety, and other pet related essentials. PSI is highly focused on pet care and professional excellence.

Make sure you investigate pet sitters as you would daycare for your children. You want to leave your cats in the best hands. Ask as many questions as possible. Here are some examples: How much are the rates? What services are included? When was the business started? What references can you provide? What are the rates for holidays? How reliable is the pet sitter? How can I check on my pets to make sure they are doing well? You may have other questions, these are some examples

Deciding to leave your cats with a pet sitter can be a gut wrenching decision because your cats are apart of the family; it’s as if you are leaving your children. Do you homework and more importantly, go with your gut instinct. If you get an uneasy feeling about a pet sitting organization, find another pet sitter. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations.

Hiring a pet sitter will put your mind at ease while you are on vacation. Your cats can relax at home versus being carried in a cat carrier and stuffed underneath a seat on an airplane. You can have peace of mind knowing your cats are safe and sound in their own environment; you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation!

Rebecca

What pet sitting service can you recommend?

When the holiday season begins in November, many people are busy cooking and cleaning. Relatives will be visiting from out-of-town which means “Mr. Snuffles” may find himself shaking and hissing in the corner, trying to avoid your nieces and nephews. Gotta love family!

Keep your cats safe for the holidays. Family, friends, and their children may stay at your home; politely tell them that Mr. Snuffles does not like to be handled by small children. This will keep the children and Mr. Snuffles safe.

When you put up the Christmas tree, make sure it is secure. Cats love to climb trees, and they’ll think that you bought the tree just for them! Make sure you place a tree skirt around the tree and keep an eye on the water level. Cats may think that the tree water is another water dish for them. Yuck!

Tips and Tricks

• Keep holiday decorations away from cats. They could digest the garland from the Christmas tree and have to go to the veterinarian;
• Put food away in refrigerator so you cats do not feast on your meal; they could get sick;
• Make sure you tell family and friends that your cats do not like to be held;
• Give your cats plenty of toys to keep them occupied while you have guests visiting your home. They’ll probably run and hide anyway!

The holidays are a time to bring out all of the decorations from the attic or closet. From shiny Christmas ornaments to a Menorah. Make sure your decorations are out of reach; otherwise you may find it on the ground in pieces.

Cats love to climb Christmas trees. You may consider purchasing an artificial tree. This way you’ll have it for more than one Christmas, that’s provided that your cats do not take it down!

Rebecca

What are you doing to keep your cats safe for the holidays?

Makeup is part of the multi-billion dollar beauty industry. Makeup tested on cats is cruel. They suffer because they are kept in tiny cages and have blush, mascara, and lipstick tested on them. Yuck! Makeup does not belong on animals, it belongs humans.

Makeup tested on cats is unethical. Cats do not wear makeup, men and women wear makeup. There’s absolutely no reason to test makeup on cats. Humans sell their blood and plasma; they could offer to have companies test makeup on them for a price. Some people will do whatever as long as they get paid for it.

Urban Decay is a company that does not test makeup on cats. In fact, they have a vegan line of products. They are one of many companies that do not test on cats. Other companies that do not test on cats are: Almay, Bobbi Brown, Burt’s Bees, and many others.

The Humane Society and animal shelters have a list of people who are banned from adopting cats and kittens. Why? Because these people are known to sell animals to companies so they can test makeup on cats. It’s sad that people only adopt cats just to sell them into torture. It’s like adopting a child and selling her into child slavery.

Some companies put the following words on their packages: not tested on animals. Unfortunately, this does not mean anything. Look for the “rabbit” symbol — a rabbit in a circle with a line through it. When you see the rabbit symbol, you’ll know the company does not test on animals. CLICK HERE to read about companies who do not test on animals.

Avoid purchasing makeup tested on cats. Some companies will register with PETA because they produce a list of companies that do not test on animals. Before you purchase your favorite makeup, you may want to consult the list.

Makeup tested on cats is cruel and unusual punishment. Animals are not put on this Earth so humans can perform tests on them. Cats are more than pets; they become part of the family. They love us unconditionally and accept us, flaws and all. Think about this before you purchase your favorite brand of makeup.

Rebecca

What makeup do you use that is not tested on animals?

Many people are taking their cats to their local Humane Society because they cannot care for them anymore. Lost jobs mean losing apart of the family. It’s heartbreaking when people bring their pets to the local shelter because they cannot care for them anymore. The Humane Society and shelters could use your support!

The greatest you can give is to adopt and rescue a cat or kitten from your local Humane Society. They make great pets and are already spayed or neutered. You will help save a life and give these animals the “forever” home they deserve. Open your heart and home today!

Find out how you can help today so tomorrow the lives of animals will be saved! I took a flyer that was created by the AZ Humane Society and recreated it so I could put my personal touch on it. No, I didn’t have to break apart the PDF (graphic designers know what I mean), I was able to copy and paste the photos into Adobe InDesign. Having a graphic design background comes in handy!

For those in the state of Arizona, please visit AZ Humane Society to find out how you can help. If you live in Chandler, Arizona, CLICK HERE to find out how you can help. The Humane Society appreciates your support!

Rebecca

How will you help your local Humane Society?