Officer Gretchen Byrne of the Coral Springs Police Department is our new best friend. She not only serves and protects us humans but Gretchen also has a special place in her heart for stray cats and kittens. Byrne has rescued and found homes for over 65 abandoned felines in her Boca Raton neighborhood and is still going strong. During her shifts at work this rescue warrior picks up stray cats of all ages and provides refuge at the police station as well as her home until a furever family is found. Thank you to this cat-loving cop who dedicates her time to the feline community. Read more about Gretchen’s story here.
Should I Get a Cat?
Prepare for your new best friend. If you are not a cat owner yet but have been dreaming of getting a furry feline for a while, then this article is perfect for you. Cats, with a mind of their own, can provide a lot of entertainment and at the same time, can be loyal and provide companionship to you as an owner. Cats make great pets so if you’re thinking of getting a kitty read here for some things that you need to know before you take the next step. Bottom line: you will not regret investing in this little furball of love. I promise you!
Hairballs 101
Picture this: you wake up in the middle of the night due to that tall glass of water you drank right before bed. You’re stumbling, barefoot or slipperless, towards the bathroom and BAM your foot steps into something soft, wet, and slimy. Ahhhhhh!!! As a cat owner we can all say that we have experienced this at least once. But, as your hopping around and saying things you might not mean in the morning, keep in mind that hairballs are a sign of a healthy grooming routine by your kitty…because we all know that cats do not like baths.
Cats have these fancy little hook-like features on their tongue (think sandpaper mixed with Velcro) that collect loose hair upon licking which in turn, once swallowed, forms into a ball that eventually comes back up. Note that hairballs are more common in the spring as your cat begins to shed their winter coat and the bigger the cat, the bigger the hairball.
At the end of the day, hairballs are purrfectly natural and are imperative to a healthy feline. Wanna know more? Read this article to learn 7 facts about hairballs.
Catios, The Next Best Cat Idea
Do you have an indoor cat who longs to be outside? A cat with an adventure spirit that tends to get bored easily? Or are you just looking for an alternative to being outdoors that provides fresh air, bird watching, and relaxing in the sun? Catios are a great solution to the aforementioned. You can either build one yourself or have a company come out and build an enclosure for you. Some are small, extensions off of a window or side of the house while others are big enough to hold human and feline. Think a completely enclosed patio or porch but with lots of climbing opportunities and floor to ceiling views. There are many things to consider when choosing a location for your catio, or cat patio: cat access, size, sun/shade percentage, stimulating views, temperatures, etc. And let’s not forget the enrichment part of a catio – cat toys, cat-safe plants, water fountain, litter box, windows, rugs, etc. There are so many aspects to a catio but I can tell you one thing for sure – your furry friend will love you if you design a catio space for them. The world is your oyster.
In the Know: Cat Food in 2019
Wet, dry, raw. Fancy Feast, Blue Buffalo, Purina. Which is the best cat food for your furry feline? As fur parents we only want what’s best for our kitties, right? But what really is best with so many options out there? I found an article* that dives deep into the best cat food reviews of 2019 by the experts. Everything from essential nutrients to veggies to even fruit has been researched and vetted within this article. Have you found a food which your cat enjoys that is not on this list? If so, please share with us.
*In no way am I selling the aforementioned products nor am I receiving any commissions or rewards from the marketer. I am simply recommending these products because they appear to be reviewed by experts in the field.