Monthly Archives: October 2014
Good Luck is Just a Black Cat Away
Does it suck to be you? Have you received a letter from the IRS? Do you need to ramp it up in the Good Fortune department? Throw away the rabbit’s foot. (After all, it didn’t help that bunny one bit, did it?) The remedy to your misfortune could be as close as your local animal shelter. Adopt a black cat.
Many Americans grew up distrusting black kitties. But the U.S. is out of step with the rest of the world when it comes to their beliefs about them. As Paul Harvey used to say, “This is the rest of the story.”
Whether coal-coated felines are harbingers of good or evil depend on where they live. People the U.S., Spain and Belgium often associate black cats with the devil. American animal shelters struggle to find homes for friendly black strays because of their undeserved reputation for causing havoc. Fortunately, the rest of the world loves lap panthers. In Egypt, Great Britain, Australia and Japan, owning or encountering a black cat assures good fortune.
In 2000 B.C. when cats delivered Egypt from famine by controlling the local Mickey Mouse population, Pharaoh elevated them to deities. Enter Bastet, with the head of a black cat and the body of a woman. She became the goddess of motherhood, fertility, grace, beauty, and not surprisingly, cats. Egyptians courted Bastet’s favor by keeping black cats in their homes and leaving food out to attract them. They believed through their pets, Bastet would bless them with prosperity.
While the Egyptians’ love of black cats is legendary, the Finnish, Celts, Romans, Norse and Latvians also held black cats in high esteem and believed they would be blessed by their presence.
The cat-loving British continue to value their black kitties above all others. An old English charm promises, “Black cat, cross my path–good fortune bring to home and hearth. When I am away from home, bring me luck wherever I roam.” Another British proverb claimed, “Whenever the cat of the house is black, the lasses of lovers will have no lack.” Black kittens on the porch promised the Scottish future riches and happiness. Celtic legend assured wealth and prosperity if a strange black cat shows up on your doorstep as long as you care for him. In most countries chasing a black cat away invites trouble. If the cat abandons a home or ship, disaster will soon follow.
An early 16th century British tradition encouraged visitors to kiss the family’s coal-colored feline. Brides in southern England whose path were crossed by a black cat would have a happy marriage.
England’s King Charles I was so afraid of losing his lucky black cat, he placed a 24-hour guard around him. Eventually the cat fell ill and died. Legend says distraught Charles cried out, “Alas, my luck is gone.” The next day Oliver Cromwell’s troops arrested him for treason. In 1649, Charles was beheaded.
If they’d run television commercials in the 18th century, you might have heard: “Black Cats: Don’t leave home without one.” Yorkshire fisherman wouldn’t sail without their most vital crewmember: the ship’s black cat. He offered protection and good luck. Punishment for harming him could be death. After all, without the black cat the ship couldn’t make it home safely.
Even sailors’ wives kept a feline talisman to keep their seafaring husbands safe. The height of the fishing industry spawned a black-cat black-market in Yorkshire. Women had to keep constant watch on their raven-furred felines otherwise racketeers would snatch them and sell them to another fisherman’s wife.
Winston Churchill believed in the power of the black cat. His kitty, Nelson, reputedly had his own chair at the Cabinet, and attended all the meetings. During World War II Churchill made a point of stroking any black cat he found. He even credited his wartime success to this practice.
Things fell apart during the Middle Ages. Before then, the Catholic Church had no policy on cats. Monasteries often had mousers for companionship. In the 6th Century, Pope Gregory the Great even had a pet cat he was very fond of. However, in 1232 when Pope Gregory IX needed a scapegoat to distract the masses from rampant disease, famine and war, he declared cats the embodiment of the devil. This decree sent domestic cats to the edge of extinction in Europe.
Feline extermination resulted in an invasion of rats and their plague-carrying fleas. The rodents caused famine by gorging themselves on the grain stores and contaminating what they didn’t eat. Figures vary, but with no cats to control vermin, the Black Death claimed between a third and half the population of Europe from 1347 to 1351. The Plague persisted in varying degrees of severity until the 18th century, which also coincides with cats being welcomed again into villages and homes.
However, Pilgrims, filled with old-time fear of cats, brought their black cat prejudice to the New World. Distrust of them persisted throughout the New England witch trials and continues even today.
For prospective pet owners, black cats may be luckier than their fairer-haired counterparts. Besides providing the perfect camouflage for a nighttime predator, researchers at the National Institutes of Health discovered same the gene that gives cats the black coat also makes them more resistant to some disease.
So if you want make up for all those ladders you’ve walked under or the cracks you’ve stepped on, adopt a feline companion with a coal-black coat and a tough constitution. You may not find buried gold under your house, but with a gentle couch panther by your side you’ll always stay in the black.
Mission Accomplished: Lorie’s Kitties are Rehomed
Friends, Cat Lovers, Countrymen,
Lend me you ear. I know politicians have a bad habit of saying “mission accomplished” before the job is really finished, but I believe I can say that, mostly.
With the exception of Lilly, all of Lorie’s babies are in their new forever homes. Cross-country transport would be too traumatic on the little white three-legged cat, so she’s staying at Lorie’s clinic (Hoffman Animal Hospital) until a new family is found. Lilly must go to a quiet local with no dogs, small kids, or aggressive cats. Tia, the receptionist at the clinic is carefully screening adoption applications.
Thank you to everyone for their financial contributions, for opening your homes to these little orphans and for spreading the word.
Thank you to;
- Tia-Elise, Kelly Brady-Famiglietti and Mary Pepin for their boots-on-the-ground work. They cared for the kitties and transported them as necessary, until homes were found.
- Incoming CWA President Marci Kladnik for arranging transportation.
- BlogPaws’ Chloe DiVita for raising money to pay for vet care and transport and Pets360.com for offering cat food.
- The BlogPaws community, Susan Gingrich, Diane Stuckart and Allia Zobel Nolan for your monetary donations.The funds allowed us to ship cats, buy food and litter, pay for shipping and diagnostic tests. After all the volunteers have been reimbursed for their expenses, I will send the remaining funds to Lorie’s brother, Tim. Lorie has an enormous outstanding hospital bill and the money will help at least a little.
Despite this shocking and devastating loss, I am glad that the animal blogging community, Lorie’s friends, family, clients, employees and the Cat Writers’ Association came together to save her kitties. Lorie would be pleased.
Early Spay Helps Prevent Feline Mammary Cancer
The Winn Feline Foundation reminds cat owners that female cats get malignant mammary cancer too. According to the Winn Feline Foundation 2012 study, Developing New Therapies for Feline Mammary Cancer Siamese, domestic short-haired kitties and tri-colored cats are at increased risk of developing the third most common feline cancer. While males can also get develop breast cancer, it’s rare. Typically tumors appear between 10 and 12 years.
Prognosis is usually poor because owners delay seeing a vet for an average of five months after discovering lumps.By the time kitties are often taken to the vet, the disease is quite advanced. Vets treat the cancer with a radical mastectomy on both sides. Even with a radical mastectomy average survival time is only a year after the detection.
The 2012 Winn study, reveals that spaying a kitty before she reaches six months reduces the chances of developing breast cancer. Please have female cats spayed by 5 months of age to avoid this problem.
To catch any potential tumors early, perform a breast exam on your kitty every month. Pick a special day, the first of the month, the day you make your house payment, the day you put heartworm preventative on your dog and cat and cop a feel. Run your fingers up and down your cat’s underneath region. Better still, move your fingers in small circles, in the same way a woman performs a monthly breast exam. You’re looking for lumps, bumps, swelling, discoloration or areas of sensitivity.
Never ignore a new lump. Statistically, lumps in dogs are likely to be benign (but still shouldn’t be ignored), lumps in cats are likely to be malignant.
What the CDC says about Cats & Dogs & Ebola, Oh My!
Now that Ebola is in the U.S. (and for those of us in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, it’s in our community), there is an understandable concern about Ebola and your cat and dog. People want to know can pets catch Ebola from humans; can people catch Ebola from their pups and pusses.
While the information available suggests that the virus may be found in several kinds of animals, CDC, the US Department of Agriculture, and the American Veterinary Medical Association do not believe that pets are at significant risk for Ebola in the United States.
Which animals can become infected with Ebola?
CDC: Scientists believe that the first patient becomes infected through contact with an infected fruit bat or primate (apes and monkeys)…In some past Ebola outbreaks, primates were also affected by Ebola, and multiple spillover events occurred when people touched or ate infected primates. In the current West African epidemic, animals have not been found to be a factor in ongoing Ebola transmission.
Can cats and dogs become infected with Ebola?
CDC: At this time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick with Ebola or of being able to spread Ebola to people or other animals. Even in areas in Africa where Ebola is present, there have been no reports of dogs and cats becoming sick with Ebola. There is limited evidence that dogs become infected with Ebola virus, but there is no evidence that they develop disease.
Are cats and dogs in the U.S. at risk of becoming sick with Ebola?
CDC: The risk of an Ebola outbreak affecting multiple people in the United States is very low. Therefore, the risk to pets is also very low, as they would have to come into contact with blood and body fluids of a person with Ebola. Even in areas in Africa where Ebola is present, there have been no reports of dogs and cats becoming sick with Ebola.
Can humans get Ebola from cats or dogs?
CDC: At this time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats being infected with Ebola or of being able to transmit Ebola to people or other animals. The chances of a dog or cat being exposed to Ebola virus in the United States is very low as they would have to come into contact with blood and body fluids of a symptomatic person sick with Ebola.
Can a pet’s body, fur, or paws spread Ebola to a person?
CDC: We do not yet know whether or not a pet’s body, paws, or fur can pick up and spread Ebola to people or other animals. It is important to keep people and animals away from blood or body fluids of a person with symptoms of Ebola infection.
What about a pet living in the home of an Ebola patient?
CDC: The CDC recommends that public health officials in collaboration with a veterinarian evaluate the pet’s risk of exposure to the virus (close contact or exposure to blood or body fluids of an Ebola patient). Based on this evaluation as well as the specific situation, local and state human and animal health officials will determine how the pet should be handled.
Should I get my dog or cat tested for Ebola?
CDC: Currently, routine testing for Ebola is not available for pets.
What are the requirements for bringing pets or other animals into the United States from West Africa?
CDC: The CDC regulations require that dogs and cats imported into the United States be healthy. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies before arrival into the United States. Monkeys and African rodents are not allowed to be imported as pets under any circumstances.
Each state and U.S. Territory has its own rules for pet ownership and importation, and these rules may be different from federal regulations. Airlines may have additional requirements.
How does Ebola spread?
CDC: When infection occurs in humans, the virus can be spread in several ways to others. Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with
- In Africa, Ebola may be spread as a result of handling bushmeat (wild animals hunted for food) and contact with infected bats.
- Only a few species of mammals (for example, humans, monkeys, and apes) have shown the ability to become infected with and spread Ebola virus. There is no evidence that mosquitos or other insects can transmit Ebola virus.
Can monkeys spread Ebola?
CDC: Yes, monkeys are at risk for Ebola. Symptoms of Ebola infection in monkeys include fever, decreased appetite, and sudden death. Monkeys should not be allowed to have contact with anyone who may have Ebola. Healthy monkeys already living in the United States and without exposure to a person infected with Ebola are not at risk for spreading Ebola.
Can bats spread Ebola?
CDC: Fruit bats in Africa are considered to be a natural reservoir for Ebola. Bats in North America are not known to carry Ebola and so CDC considers the risk of an Ebola outbreak from bats occurring in the United States to be very low. However, bats are known to carry rabies and other diseases here in the United States. To reduce the risk of disease transmission, never attempt to touch a bat, living or dead.
Where can I learn more information about Ebola and pet dogs and cats?
CDC: The CDC is currently working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and many other partners to develop additional guidance for the U.S. pet population. Additional information and guidance will be posted on this website as well as partner websites as soon as it becomes available.
Left Behind: Help Rehome Dr. Lorie Huston’s Kitties
My friend and Cat Writers’ Association President Dr. Lorie Huston passed away yesterday after a lifelong struggle with liver disease. Lorie had six rescued kitties whom she dearly loved. They are living in Providence, RI. The family has asked that homes be found for Lorie’s babies. As you might expect, they are all fixed, current on their vaccinations, and negative for diseases. Some or all are declawed. The kitties are all rescues, not closely bonded and do not necessarily need to be placed together. They are special needs, of course, because that’s how Lorie rolled. Read details below.
Lorie’s vet clinic does not have the room to board the kitties. The clinic’s receptionist is trying to help, but is recovering from a serious dog attack and has transportation limitations so it is very difficult for her to check on them. We are looking for forever homes, foster homes, no kill shelters, people to transport and possibly even donations to pay for transportation or boarding.
BTW–Pet Assure veterinary discount plans has offered three free months to anyone who adopts one of Lorie’s babies.
If you’re interested in adopting or fostering any of Lorie’s kitties or helping out in any way, please fill out the form below.
Lorie’s cats
Lilly is Lorie’s 11 year old and a tripod. When Lilly was just an 8 week old kitten she lost her leg, part of her tail, and several toes after a dog attack. Rather than euthanizing the homeless brown tabby, Lorie performed the necessary surgery to save her life, then adopted her. Lorie said Lilly is laid-back and very sweet. She’s a happy, healthy, older lady who doesn’t even realize she’s one leg short of a full set. She cannot go into a home with dogs. She is spayed and FeLV/FIV/HW negative.
Midge is about 6 years old, spayed, declawed and FeLV/FIV negative. Midge came from a litter of orphaned kittens, hand-raised by a friend. Lorie had room for one more cat and Midge joined her family. She is a shy girl and would do well by herself, as the other cats pick on her. CORRECTION: Midge is friendly. Lorie always fed her separately, and watched to make sure the others left her alone. Lorie said Midge is standoffish with the other cats but loves people.
adopted!
Rusty was left at Lorie’s clinic by an animal control officer. The poor kitty was extremely ill with a respiratory infection and was treated at the hospital. After he recovered, he would always find his way into Lorie’s exam room and hang out in her sink. Lorie couldn’t resist him. Rusty, who’s between 4 and 6 years old, is a personal favorite of clinic staff. Lorie said Rusty is shy at first and easily frightened, but very sweet. He’s declawed, neutered, and negative for FeLV/FIV/HW.
adopted!
Dillon, who is between 4 and 6 years old was left in a cardboard box on the clinic’s doorstep. He immediately began rubbing all over Lorie. It was love at first sight. She adopted him the next day after being neutered and tested for FeLV/FIV. Lorie said Dillon is curious about everything and seeks attention from anyone.
adopted!!!!
Rhette is a 6 to 8 year old neutered and declawed boy who was left in a carrier in the hospital parking lot. After being examined and found to be healthy, he joined Lorie’s growing family as well. Lorie said he is demanding and very vocal. He thinks he’s the boss. He can be a bully. He’s confused and a little nervous in Lorie’s absence, but friendly.
Merlin, now 6 to 8 years old, is neutered and declawed. He was living unsuccessfully as stray cat near the hospital. He was determined to become a member of the staff. When someone opened the door, he strolled right in and made himself comfortable. He’s a funny cat who always made Lorie laugh because he likes to throw his whole body over his food bowl. He’s mellow and minds his business, and does his own thing. Lorie said Merlin seeks attention but is less confident than Dillon.