My new, 2013 resolutions, which this time I promise to stick to...despite all the disbelief and mockery from my humits...I'm a determined kitty, this year!

I most definitely need new toys...oh humits time for your 2013 resolutions!

So and since the new year has already just started and which of course it also means that it is once again that time...when the inevitable and dread resolutions begin. For humans is the always the usual stuff, lose weight, spend more time with the family, do more, do less, etc, etc (not to be achieved of course as humits lack determination to anything really!)

But of course it's not just the humans who'd embark on a program of self-improvement in the spirit of the New Year, us, kitties, want also perhaps not so much to improve ourselves (as we are simply purrfect in many ways) but simply to just fine-tune ourselves..

So here they are my New Year's resolutions, for this year that is!

Resolution 1: Too perhaps try and lose a little, tiny, weight perhaps so I can jump on that elusive window sill and to all high above the ground surfaces! But of course humits need to provide some form of incentive though such as new and the right kinds of toys to play with, a new scratching post, cat tree, etc, etc...

Resolution 2: To try and be perhaps a bit friendlier to other humits that sometimes visit my domain! I should try not to always turn my nose up at newcomers right away but instead to give them a chance to perhaps scratch my ears and chin and after of course I have shed some of my fur on their clothes to establish my presence, before exiting the room to find a quiet spot for snoozing.

Resolution 3: To try to be bit more cuddlier for my humits! I will try of course to purr more often and loudly to even be more affectionate to everyone in the family, except of course from the other two, Ripley and Choo, who seem to always try to annoy me by just being around!

Resolution 4: I promise not to be so fussy about my food, as long as my food is always the the right texture, taste and temperature, and given at the right time each day without no delay no matter what! Oh wait a minute I'm not really fussy when it comes to my food, I eat everything...oh well I promise then not to become fussy about my food this year...what about it, humit?

Resolution 5 : No more scratching on the furniture or carpet, I will only use the scratching posts (unless of course humans get new furniture or re-carpet the house in which case...well you know I am a kitty after all). Besides i don't think the carpet on the stairs can take any more scratching...there are already enough marks to show who really owns this place!

Resolution 6. I promise to stop hiding stuff behind the couch, under the furniture where no human hand (or paw for that matter) can reach!. Besides it's getting a little cluttered behind there anyhoo and there isn't enough space to hide anything else anymore!

Resolution 7: I'll let everyone else sleep later in the morning...

I suppose 4 a.m. is a little too early to get everyone up to play and feed me. I think I can hold on until 4.15 a.m. unless of course humits are exposing their feet and hands again from under the bed covers!

Resolution 8: I'll stay off the kitchen counters, laptops and tables when humans are eating....(unless of course they are eating chicken, beef, ham, lamb, turkey, fish, bacon, etc, etc). Of course I know that my humits tend to get upset sometimes, so I'll try to be a bit more understanding and climb up there later when everyone is not around or looking so I can patrol these off limits areas in peace!

Final Resolution: I also promise to give my humits some time to do their 'important' (yeah right!) work and not to disturb them provided that my humits stick to my timetable or don't forget their kitty duties so meals and play sessions are always on time (besides it takes a while for a laptop to warm enough before any well behaved kitty can sit or snooze on it....)

Finally, let's all (kitties and humits) have a great new year!

Hmm! I think I snooze here till 2013 and ignore those noisy humits in the meantime!

And here it is me thinking that finally Xmas (or Catmas for us kitties) was finally over and all the fuss and noise and yummy...extra food was over when suddenly I've just had an epiphany and realised that there is still more to come. So this is once again a good opportunity to remind to all humits who are sharing their homes with kitties and before they get too drunk to remember anything at all that there are still a few things they need to remember to do to protect their kitties. You humits need to remember that for at least some of us, kitties, the holidays are not always that much fun as we tend to get disturbed, stressed with that all noise and with all those humits who seem to enjoy these festivities a bit too much and often us, kitties, having very few, if any, places to which we can escape during that time.

Humits you should know that the holidays put a lot of stress on everyone involved, some of it good and some of it bad. Us, kitties have to withstand any number of unusual circumstances that are unusual each year because we don't have the chance to get used to them. Such circumstances usually are:

Too many people in one place! Some friendly kitties may seem to enjoy meeting new people that adore them the majority though of us are in reality shy or fearful kitties who will see their once safe haven overrun with strangers.

Bad eating habits! One of the side benefits to all that chaos of humits gathered in the same place is the chance to sneak some snacks often...on the counter or table. This usually isn't healthy (and you know me, I won't say often that food is bad for us so to say it here it means that is really really bad). These festive days sometimes the feeding kitty schedule may get disorganized and as certain foods can also cause your kitty to have gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting or diarrhea is best then to avoid feeding your kitty anything else than her normal food (although a bit of chicken might not do that much harm really!).

Less playtime. Don't forget humits your duties and under no circumstances stop playing with your kitties as you'll do any other time of the year! This could easily throw off our precious schedule and feeling of wellbeing,you know, by simply depriving your kitty of his/her normal exercise..very stressful! (Think about how you'd feel about it.)

Frequent shouting and yelling! Kitties like being where the action is – where their humits are that is to explore and investigate, where they are cooking or baking or even struggling to carry bags of gifts or groceries into the house. So any frequent scolding or cursing, not necessarily at your kitties but because humits sometimes can be clumsy and careless and tend to drop things...so there is no need for such bad language you know as your emotions can add to the stress level of any kitty in the house!

Finally try to avoid frequent trips as much as possible humits as us, kitties, really prefer to just sit on the the window sill to observe and to snooze. So traveling with all the family to see other family members far far away is a no no for any kitty... because it causes us a HUGE amount of stress! Also try to avoid the 'K' word, you know the kennel place...not such a good idea either as when we are being moved from home to a strange place is like a catastrophe, no matter how nice the accommodations.

So what can you do to ease the burden? Just one thing really: Stick to the normal routine! Keeping as close as you can to your kitty's normal schedule is the best antidote to holiday stress. Stay consistent with feeding times and amounts, and be on guard against illegal snacks and keep your kitty's waking, eating and playtime schedules.

Also make sure that there is at least one room in the house where the kitty can really

retreat to, equipped with all your kitty's favourite toys, a bowl full of fresh water, some food perhaps, and clothing or blankets with your scent on it and a litter tray. This gives your kitty a safe comfortable place to which he/she can retreat from the madness. Also, be extra careful around the door if you have an indoor kitty only. Make sure she doesn't sneak out during all the comings and goings of those pesky humits!!

Enjoy the rest of your festivities humits and have a great 2013 all of you kitties and your humits!

Kitties and Xmans worries...for some humits that is!

This is not a Xmas tree humit...really now!

Here we go again...you know...the jolly and festive time of the year is almost upon us and my humit of course has just reminded me of my duties (like I needed reminding really...) that I need to give some Xmas advice for the safety of all kitties to their humit carers because you know sometimes humits can get really excited during this time with trees, lots and lots of food and drink, outside trees that are brought inside to be decorated with lots of shiny things, etc, etc while at the same time they seem to forget that us, kitties, don't get really excited, rather quite the opposite, we tend to get stressed and very anxious. Although some kitties might remain calm throughout this festive season in reality and for the most part kittens and young or even senior cats, react because this is indeed a very exciting time. You see, OK, OK at least for some kitties (as Choo Choo and Ripley definitely not included in this general category of curious and explorative cats) , their natural urge to explore (he, he right!) is in high gear this time of the year and all the unusual activity of the house can affect them too!

I mean just think about if for a minute, humits, as any decorated tree looks like toy heaven (and saying it once again) to some cats. So as humits can't really guard that decorated tree all the time, which tree any other time of the year would normally be outside and all of the sudden like magic it has been brought indoors by you who are some times very very peculiar humits and who you, humits, therefore can't prevent your kitties from exploring that tree - so instead, you should try some of my Xmas tips to make that tree cat-safe.

First of all humits need to make sure that the Christmas tree is as stable as possible as there are good chances that the kitty of the house will try to climb all over it sooner than later. So you humits need to make sure that the base of the tree is heavier than the top, even after all the decorations are hanging from those branches!

If you have a live tree, never let your kitty drink from the water in the tree stand. Most people use some form of special chemicals to help preserve the tree and these can be deadly for us, kitties! Even the tree itself releases toxic sap into the water, so the humits need to cover the water altogether and make it inaccessible to everybody else in the house, us, kitties, of course included. Although I don't purrsonally think that is such a good idea, the humit might also want to try spraying around the center of the tree skirt with lemon scented air freshener to deter any kitties from wandering too close (yak!).

If you can you, humits, try to avoid using tinsel, strings and hooks as part of the tree's decorations. All of which are extremely dangerous to us, kitties if swallowed. Fragile ornaments can be dangerous. Glass shreds on the carpet are a safety hazard to humits as well as us, kitties - so keep all breakable ornaments out of our reach.

Also humits don't forget that Christmas foliage can be toxic too! Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, ivy and Christmas roses, as well as the Christmas tree itself are all harmful to all animals in the house (humits included of course). Holly and mistletoe can be even fatal. Poinsettias and ivy bring on bad digestive upset and pine needles when swallowed can pierce internal organs. So humits try not to use ornamental plants or keep them well out of reach and always remember to sweep up any dead needles lying about and always be on the look out.

Another thing that humits should be extra careful about is when burning candles which although are festive at the same time they can be really dangerous...not just for us but for everybody else that is! If you humits insist in burning candles, do so safely. Don't forget that sometimes a curious swish of a tail, can cause a burning candle to dump over and disaster can result. Inquisitive kitties can burn their nose, ears paws or tail getting to close to a flame. Instead of spending the Holidays with your family, then you might end up spending it with your kitty at the your vet's!

Christmas can be very stressful for some kitties. All the changes in the decoration, having guests over or simply changing the familiar routine can bring on anxiety in your kitty. So you need to make sure you don't neglect her. Spend at least 15-20 minutes a day with her, grooming and playing interactive games. If you're having guests, your kitty has to maintain some privacy in the house. Be sure that all the litter trays and and the feeding areas are far enough away from the festivities, so as not to disrupt your kitty's normal habits.

All right I really shouldn't say this, I mean who am I to complain about too much food being available but on the other hand and it is unfortunately the truth that rich Christmas food is not really good for us, kitties (darn it!)! So ideally humits need to make sure that their kitties keep to their regular diet and don't feast on Christmas delicacies. Most of the foods you humits would eat this time of the year (and you would definitely eat a lot!) are really bad for us, kitties, and may cause upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. You should also tell your guests this too so they don't try to feed your animals without your permission.

Finally and very very importantly ....Never, never give a kitten or a puppy as a Christmas present! Let all your friends and family know that this is not an acceptable present under any circumstance. Far too many cute kittens and puppies who begin their lives as Christmas presents, they end up shortly afterwards in the local shelter or on the streets, abandoned. Getting a cat or a dog is a life-long commitment that should receive the special consideration it needs.

So all you kitties and your humit carers have a great festive season....wherever you are!

I do suffer from anxiety at times you know!

Now that firework nights are over (I hope) and we can go back to normality (for at least a little while till Xmas or Meowmas arrives and humits go bonkers again) I thought that it is about time to remind all you humits out there a few truths about us kitties ...For example that us, kitties, too we also suffer for stress and extreme anxiety at times....

For example appetite along with weight changes, depression, digestive problems, nervous behaviour, and loss of sleep are not only symptoms of human anxiety but also cat anxiety too as kitties can suffer from anxiety in many ways like humans do, and which anxiety in many cases can be prevented (and I even speak from experience here).

As we kitties also experience anxiety too, it is then their humit's responsibility to be in tune to their kitties behaviour and mental state and pick up on changes that might indicate their kitty is suffering from stress. Us, kitties, experience anxiety because of psychological, physical, and environmental factors and without intervention, the results of a kitty's stress may become harmful to her health by comprising her immune system and making it susceptible as a result to many illnesses.

As everybody knows every kitty is an individual and as a result it will show signs of anxiety in her own way. This is why it is important that any change in your kitty's behaviour is noticed as soon as possible by the humit carer. Signs of anxiety can be things like:

Changes in appetite or weight, excessive vocaliisation, changes in toilet habits (such as urinating outside of the litter tray), some compulsive behaviours such as excessive grooming or even fur pulling and self-mutilation, aggression, lethargy or depression, the onset of sudden destructive behaviours (such as furniture scratching), restlessness, etc.

So if your kitty is showing any signs of stress and anxiety, it is very important that you talk with your vet first to rule out any possible medical problems that might cause such behaviour and if the kitty is physically healthy, then ideally to try and at least speak to a kitty behaviour specialist for advice on how to deal with their kitty's anxiety

The humit also should try and and determine the cause of the kitty's anxiety: For example could any of the following be the cause of the such an anxiety?

When there have being long periods of separation from family (because of holidays perhaps) , perhaps because of boredom or even lack of exercise or interactive play (nope, no problems here for certain)...or even some form of fear such as loud noises, other cats, certain people or objects, etc. (especially if the cat is very timid and nervous by nature), inadequate nutrition (my favourite one) or health problem / pain or some form of discomfort , even insufficent space (when more than one cats are sharing the same environment), sudden changes to daily routine and of course loss or addition of a family member (a new baby or kitty or any other pet). 

Along with talking with a cat behaviour expert to establish cause and possible treatment there are also several things that a humit can do to try to minimize stress and anxiety in the their kitty's life (such as making first of all the cat's well-being a priority of course). For example the humit should try and enrich their kitty's environment with sufficient toys and games and also by trying to play with their kitty with interactive toys such as a laser pointer or a mouse/bird/snake like toy or even feathers at the end of wand or hanging from a small fishing pole and then move it around like a small prey so to give the cat the opportunity to stalk and eventually catch her prey. By also providing some catnip or kitty grass or even by adding a couple of new scratching areas around the house. Providing also high-quality, nutritious cat food, fresh water, and sufficient attention could also help.

Treating anxiety can be a long and tedious process so the humit carer would need to be persistent if he/she wants to help her/his kitty to overcome her anxiety.

You see, us, kitties, like humans, we also experience emotional stress, and it is something that it needs to be taken seriously and treated accordingly by you all humits!

Kitties and fireworks night (in UK)

A safe place for fireworks night!

I really don't know what is wrong with humits sometimes...Are they really stupid or what? I mean what is with humits and fireworks? What is the purpose of fireworks really...Can some humit explain it to me? It is unnecessary noise if you ask me or any other kitty.

Kitties (and other animals and birdies that is) can really stressed during firework season so you, silly humits, need to make sure your kitty always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and that he/she has always access to this place at all times. For example this could be under the bed, behind the sofa or in a cupboard or wardrobe.

Ideally during fireworks sensible humits should try and keep their kitties indoors and away from rooms with exit doors and windows.

At night humits should keep windows shut and close the curtains or blinds and put on some music or turn the TV on (put something nice on like Tom & Jerry or Sylvester and Tweety perhaps) so to muffle the sound of fireworks.

If possible try to ignore any signs of fear that your kitty might be showing and try to distract her/him by perhaps engaging the kitty in some form of interactive play (I usually play with my favourite toy mouse, Ripley and Choo just snooze it off, really). At the same time humits should try not to react to any firework noise themselves, just pretend humits that you can't hear or see anything. In some occasions the kitty might instead prefer to be left alone or to go into hiding instead. It is important humits that you don't force the kitty to do anything she/he doesn't want to do!

Make sure that your kitty is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise.

Finally you should never force or try to tempt your kitty to go outside out as this will cause your kitty to become more stressed or even get harmed.

For more information see also http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/general/fireworks

.How humits can keep their kitties safe during Halloween (from all the ghouls and goblins)

Yeap it is this time of the year once again when humits try to scare themselves by dressing up in silly costumes (and even try to dress up their kitties too...tsss tsss...Shame on you humits, you know who you are!) and demanding to be given free candies or sweets (wherever!). If these silly humits really want to know how to get something without the need to demand too much for it they should ask their kitties for some advice, we are experts on the matter, he, he.

Nevertheless since it is a silly humit tradition which can endanger us, kitties then they are a few things that humits can try to do to keep their kitties safe!

First of all they should try and Keep your kitties indoors

If you have indoor/outdoor kitties keep them in. If you have outdoor kitties – preferable – keep them someplace safe for the night. This time of the year animals/pets can mistreated, stolen, injured or even worse killed!

Also try to keep your kitty in a safe room perhaps away from the front door with plenty of fresh water, food, litter tray, comfy bed and favourite toys especially if you are used to get a lot of trick-or-treaters. Strange people appearing at the door wearing scary costumers can stress and scare your animals

Keep any Halloween lights out of the way so your kitties can't get to them and chew them: Us, kitties, are naturally inquisitive and are likely to try to explore anything new and unfamiliar.

Don't leave a lighted jack o' lantern unattended around kitties or other animals. Accidents can happen and a swish of a tail can start a fire. We, kitties, love to climb up on tables and counters and can cause fires or even burn ourselves!

Also and very importantly most kitties don't like putting on costumes and many animals stress out when their humans dress them up. If your animal is fine with it and you do put your kitty (or doggie) in fancy dress, make sure first of all that it's safe and it doesn't obstruct hearing, movement, breathing or sight.

And finally and very importantly don't get tempted to give to your animals any Halloween candy: Chocolate is toxic and lollipop and candy-apple sticks can get stuck in an animal's throat or perforate the stomach or bowels (I was forced to add this by my humit to make things clear, I purrsonally like all treats...)

Finally to all humits and kitties:
Have a great and safe Halloween (Samhain)!!!

Ten tell tell signs that your cat is more human than you!

1. Your cat seems to spend more time and take more space on your bed than you do!

 2. Your cat always eats better than you (her food looks and tastes better and it is more expensive than anything that you can afford to buy for yourself).  

 3. Your cat is more intelligent and talented than you!

4. Your cats seems to spend more time watching TV these days than you do (and she is not watching only nature programmes when you aren't around it seems!!)

5. Your cat seems to know how to operate all of your gadgets even better than you do (and she appears to be very skillful with your laptop...)!

6. Your cat can have a conversation and win all the arguments with you!

7. Your cats gets more and better presents at Christmas and birthdays than you do..

8. Your cat always tells you when it is dinner time (especially when you're late feeding her) and when to change her litter-tray.

9.  Your cat has more expensive furniture (and toys) than you do in the house...

10. ....and finally she has managed after all these years to train you well to obey all her ...demands and to let you believe that you are still the one in charge around the house (silly humans!).