Good Litter Box Habits Begin with You

Although it is obvious that The Cat Sitter customers treat their precious kitties with the utmost respect and care, I have developed an easy and effective litter box maintenance routine that you may want to try or pass along to other cat-lovers.

First and foremost, a cat who fails to use a clean litter box in favor of another location may be sick. It is critical that this possibility first be ruled out by taking your cat to your veterinarian for a thorough examination. If illness is not the cause, it is also possible that behavioral problems may be causing your cat to misuse a clean litter box.

These behavioral problems typically result from a major change in lifestyle or routine, such as a move to a new home or the addition of a new person or pet to your family.

Otherwise, most healthy cats can train themselves to use a litter box in about a day. Maintaining good litter box habits is easy and begins with you

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I have developed a litter box system that guarantees harmony in my house. It is based on the principles of easy and safe access, consistent cleaning, and simple methods and tools:

Easy and Safe Access. My cats can easily get to their two large, deep litter boxes. They are in separate rooms and I keep the doors to these rooms blocked open. I do not keep covers on the litter boxes.

Consistent Cleaning. I clean out both litter boxes twice a day. Not only does this guarantee clean boxes, but it allows me to monitor my cat's urine and bowel outputs, enabling me to recognize early warning signs of illness.

Simple Methods and Tools. I use plain, 99% dust-free clay litter with no deodorizing chemicals. I scoop liquid and solid waste twice each day into plastic bags that I discard. The litter boxes stay clean for up to two months. To minimize litter tracking, I place each litter box inside a plastic cement-mixing tub. The tubs catch most of the litter when the cats step out.

My litter box routine is simple and takes just 6 to 10 minutes a day. I consider myself fully litter box trained. My cats know I appreciate them just as much as I know they appreciate me, and that is the key to a wonderful relationship!

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In Need of a Home

Taylor is a sweet, friendly, in/outdoor 1 1/2 year-old female "tuxedo" cat in need of a loving home. To learn more about Taylor, call The Cat Sitter at 770-594-1010.  Taylor is now living in Atlanta.

Notes from Linda
The Cat Sitter

Congratulations
to Joni Butler, who has just completed her first year as The Cat Sitter franchisee in Rochester, MN, and who has had a very successful year!

Thank You
to The Cat Sitter Assistants who enabled me to service all of our clientele in NW Atlanta during the peak holidays: Linda Jo Mitchell, Barbara Bryan, Robin Cabasso, and Valerie Wilkes.

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Help Wanted!
We're looking for a few good cat lovers!

The Cat Sitter has franchise opportunities in the Atlanta area. If you're looking for a rewarding career doing something you love, this may be the job for you! Only real cat lovers and owners need apply.

We also need back-up personnel for peak times. Holidays and long weekends often are very busy for us. If you have your own transportation and are a true cat lover, we would love to have your help on a part-time basis.
For more information, call The Cat Sitter at 770-594-1010.

Introducing Our
New Logo

The Cat Sitter has added a new logo to distinguish its cat sitting service from other services and products offered by The Cat Sitter.

Our new logo protects us as we grow and assures cat lovers everywhere that they are receiving premium "topcat" services.

New Product!

We are pleased to announce that our new Cat Carrier is now available for purchase. This unique, sturdy fabric carrier, designed by a true cat lover, is like no other carrier on the market.

Features include:

* Special padding for your cat's
   comfort and safety
* Wire mesh for safety
* Adjustable straps
* Designer fabrics, including cat
   tapestry
* Optional catnip pouch
* Washable
* Available in sizes S/M and L

Prices begin at $99. You may place your order through The Cat Sitter at 770-594-1010 and through some veterinarians and pet stores.

A Cat with Special Needs
by Pat Davitt

The aloof, independent cat is a stereotype promoted by those who have never shared their life with a cat. Every cat has a unique array of special needs. There is, however, a class of cats that can truly be labeled as having "special needs." These poor unfortunates have some physical challenges that prevent them from leading a normal life. This article is about one very special cat with "special needs."

One day, we noticed a tiny, black kitten poking about the leaves at the edge of the woods near our home. After leaving some food outside for the little kitten, we were quite surprised the next day when the kitten's entire family appeared. The parents, gray tabbies, and their offspring, two midnight black kittens, continued to feed twice a day.

The father of the litter was diminutive, except for his head. Tomcats tend to have heads larger than females of the same stature and weight. This fellow was one step beyond that, lending a visual cue to his name, Big Head Todd.

As soon as we rescued the little family, we took Big Head Todd to our vet. We were dismayed to learn that Big had feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). We checked the rest of the family immediately and all received clean bills of health.

The options for Big are limited. He is otherwise in good health, but because of his FIV, he cannot return to his family or be placed with other non-FIV cats without putting them at risk.

Big is truly a nice cat and has socialized well with his rescuers. Before his rescue, Big lived in the woods with his family. He cared for them to the extent that his efforts fighting intruders probably lead to his contracting FIV. Many times before his rescue, we observed him with the kittens - grooming them, snoozing with them in the sun, or keeping a watchful eye on them.

Big is looking for a home where he will be an only cat and where his adopter will understand his affliction. He has the stance of a bulldog - wide at the shoulders - as if he is ready to take on the world. His purr can only be described as a rumble, and he is quite talkative.

We have trained Big to accept a harness so that we can take him outside for walks. It is probably his favorite activity. He is most happy when I groom him, twice a day, at each mealtime. He won't let me skip that part of our breakfast and dinner routine. It is a wonderful tranquilizer for both of us.

Our vet says that it is very possible for Big's FIV to remain dormant for years, perhaps never becoming active. Big can have a life filled with walks and talks, lots of grooming, and evenings in front of the fireplace.

Do you know someone with a big heart who is living without a cat? Their rewards will be without measure. Please call The Cat Sitter at 507-367-2500 for additional information about Big.

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Rags to Riches
by Melissa Boeke

The two most popular employees at Cummings' Books in Minneapolis haven't always raked in the cat treats. Both Attila and Artemis were homeless as kittens. Attila came to us in the winter of 1996, and Artemis the winter of 1997. Both keep busy when the shop is open by greeting customers, enhancing our window displays, and approving purchases (with a sniff). They also act as surrogate cats for the students at the nearby University of Minnesota, who were unable to bring their cats into the dorms.

Attila has a shelf called "Attila's Picks," which houses such treasures as Outwitting Squirrels and How to Live with a Neurotic Dog. Profits made by a bookcase of discount items go directly to the furry duo (used for food, treats, and toys, of course).

Attila and Artemis would love to see you! Be sure to stop into Cummings' Books at 318 14th Avenue, SE, Minneapolis (Dinkytown) and say "hello."

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Send Us Your Cat News!

The articles in The Cat Sitter Tribune, a biyearly newsletter, are the generous contributions of our customers, veterinarians, groomers, and cat lovers. We thank you all!

If you have a cat story, tip, joke, book, or other cat-loving news you'd like to share, just fax or mail us and we'll be happy to include your contribution in an upcoming issue of The Cat Sitter Tribune.

Fax: 770-967-4962 Mail: The Cat Sitter, P.O. Box 232, Roswell, GA 30077

Things to Remember When
Using The Cat Sitter

We appreciate as much notice as possible when you're scheduling our services - preferably 3 days notice for shorter trips (other than emergencies) and as much notice as possible for longer trips.

Due to factors including insurance, the safety of your home, and the well-being of your cat(s), we ask that no cleaning service or outsiders be in your home for the duration of our service.

Remember to call and let The Cat Sitter know that you've returned home. This will avoid an extra visit/expense. In the Atlanta market, we now have a voice pager for your convenience.

The Silent Disease
by Tobin Emrich, DVM
Cascade Animal Hospital, Rochester, MN

There is an insidious disease which may be plaguing your feline at this very moment. This disease is widespread, begins as early as two years of age, and is unknown to many owners. The lesions from this disease can be well-hidden and may rob your kitty a lengthy life of carefree abandon. This dreaded affliction is dental disease.

Dental disease is thought to affect over 60 percent of cats at three years of age and 80 percent of cats at six years of age. Oral signs of a mouth gone bad include: halitosis, tartar accumulation, reddened gumlines, gum growth over teeth, loose and missing teeth, sensitive teeth, cavities, and drooling. Systemic signs of dental disease may present as: decreased appetite and activity, increased effort in chewing, dropping food out of mouth during eating, facial swelling, nasal discharge, chronic infections, and irritability.

Dental disease allows easy access of bacteria into the bloodstream. This bacteria can then create problems with the kidneys, heart, lungs, and other organs. Decreasing the access of this bacteria into the body can help your friend live longer and have a better quality of life in its senior years.

Discovering your kitty has dental disease can be difficult. If you cannot look safely into your cat's mouth, it is important for your veterinarian to do a thorough dental assessment at every visit.

If your kitty does have signs of dental lesions, there are a multitude of therapies available. Therapies range from home care to professional dental cleaning, including fillings, root canals, and extractions. Your veterinarian will help guide you to the appropriate care for your individual situation.

Help your feline friends live longer and happier - keep their teeth bright and white.

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Rainbow Bridge
Author Unknown
Submitted by Paula Trumble

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

Do the Right Thing
American Humane Society data summarized by Joni Butler,
A Cat Sitter franchisee

Spring is here - the time of year when the female cat's reproductive cycle kicks in and litters of cute, little kittens abound. Though it is not very difficult to find homes for kittens, please consider the following 1997 figures from the American Humane Society:

There are 4,000 to 6,000 shelters in the U.S.

8 to 12 million cats and dogs enter U.S. shelters each year

Only 25% to 35% of shelter animals are eventually adopted

Only 4% of cats are returned to owners by the shelters

A fertile female cat can produce 3 litters each year

There are 4 to 6 kittens per litter

One cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in 7 years

Shelters are usually able to place kittens fairly easily. However, each kitten placed potentially deprives a shelter cat of a home. Approximately- 30 to 60 percent of animals brought to shelters nationwide are euthanized every year because homes are not available.

If you have spayed or neutered your pet - hats off to you! If there are feral or homeless cats in your area - or that you may be feeding - consider participating in a Spay/ Neuter/Release program to help end overpopulation. Call your local shelter for more information.

Remember: Cats can't add, and dogs can't subtract, but they sure can multiply!