What's in This Issue:

Updates to the site

The story of Jazzy, an older cat... If you have an older cat - over 10 years, please let me know. I'm working on a section for older cats and their owners. These cats have special needs, so it's long overdue.

Don't forget that if you have a cat, a friend with a cat, or an organization that works with/has to do with cats, or so on, Add your story!

Bragging Rights For Readers

Photos are great, but not required. If it is for an organization, please include their contact information.

Sections

Early Spring Fun Activities
Tossable Toys
Some Fun Cat Body Language - Playful
March Offers

Early Spring Fun Activities

Cat Fancier's Association Schedule

TICA Official Show Calendar

CFA-IAMS Cat Championship in October 2009

Fun Cat Stuff for Kids

Activities For Your Cat

There are many ready-made cat trees available, and you can make your own. A cat tree may stretch from floor to ceiling or be shorter. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multiple-cat households, it creates more play and rest areas for cats by taking advantage of vertical space.

Cat trees (often called “kitty condos”) come with many accessories: shelves for watching “kitty TV” (birds at the feeder), baskets for catnapping in the sun, tunnels for hiding, dangling toys for attacking, and covered parts for scratching.

Window perches placed in a sunny window are another great way to bring the outdoors inside. Another option is an enclosure that sits in a window (much like an air conditioning unit) and provides a secure space in which your kitty can hang out. Larger options are available that attach to the side of a house or ground floor apartment patio. It’s best to allow your cat access to these when someone is home to supervise. And if you already have a sun room, why not share part of it with your cat? Place cat trees and shelves in strategic places for your cat to enjoy.

If you still want to allow your cat outside in the privacy of your backyard, you can purchase or build a specially designed fence or enclosure that will prevent your cat from leaving the yard. However, a fence may not prevent animals from entering your yard and, therefore, you should always be present when you allow your cat this opportunity. And be sure to cat-proof the yard by checking that the fence has no escape routes and by making toxic plants, garden chemicals, and other dangerous objects inaccessible.

If you live in a peaceful neighborhood where you can walk without encountering loose dogs, you might consider buying a special cat harness and training your cat to walk on a leash. This training takes time and patience on the part of both you and your cat, and it is easiest when your cat is young. Some cats can even be trained to sit on your lap while you are on the deck or patio or harnessed and tied to a stationary object to enjoy the outdoors while you are gardening nearby.

Even cats who are protected from roaming free should still be outfitted with a collar and visible identification. The occasional open window (make sure your windows have secure screens) or door offers a tempting opportunity for your cat to explore the outdoors.

And your cat may become frightened and make her way outside if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster. A collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you. (If you do lose your cat, contact your local animal shelter immediately to file a lost cat report. Shelter workers can give you tips on getting your pet back home safely.)

Above all, give your cat warmth, shelter, affection, nutritious food, exercise, and interesting diversions. These feline essentials, combined with lots of playtime, will give your pet everything he needs and craves right at home.

Tossable Toys

Fun Cat Body Language Indicators

March Offers

Squirrel Buster Classic Bird Feeder 4" diameter x 20" high Removable perches make this wild bird feeder suitable for clinging and perching birdsVentilation system circulates air to prevent seed from moldingUV-stabilized polycarbonate constructed feeder withstands the hot summer sunUse the latest technology to stay ahead of pesky squirrels. Weight-sensitive feeder closes feed ports when squirrels and larger birds try to feed. This feeder features a coated-wire mesh cage and removable perches for clinging and perching birds. Patented ventilation system circulates air to prevent seed spoilage and mold by permitting humidity and warm air to escape through waterproof vents at the top of the feeder. The escaping air is replaced with fresh air entering the seed ports and openings on the bottom of the seed tube. Built-to-last feeder is constructed of UV-stabilized polycarbonate, powder-coated aluminum, and stainless steel. Top-filling design includes hanger. Feeder holds 1-1/2 quarts of mixed seed to attract a variety of smaller songbirds like cardinals and finches. Measures 4" diameter x 20" high.Please click on "More Information" for cleaning instructions.

Finch Flocker Tube Feeder 15" Neighborhood finches will feast at this feeder's many portsOne of our largest capacity finch feedersSquirrel resistant lid stays on snugAttract flocking finches with the bright, goldfinch yellow zinc cap and base of these feeders. Durable UV stabilized polycarbonate tube that won't yellow over time. Internal baffle ensures all seed is emptied into ports to prevent rot. Hang orpole mount. 15": holds 1 quart of thistle or seed, 3-1/4" diameter x 15" high, 6 feeding ports; 23": holds 1-3/4 quarts of thistle or seed, 3-1/4" diameter x 23" high; 10 feeding ports; 36": holds 2-1/2 quarts of thistle or seed, 3-1/4" diameter x 36" high, 20 feeding ports.Add a squirrel baffle above your hanging bird feeder or below your pole-mounted bird feeder for added squirrel protection.Please click on "More Information" for cleaning instructions.

Zanies Assorted Cat Toy Mouse (Per Mouse) These assortment of Squeaky Mice is the perfect toy for your feline companion! The squeaky sound will get the most tiered cat going. Give this cat toy for your pet to play anytime of the day as it will always be a hit. Zanies Cat Toy Mice come...Read More	Bergan Turboscratcher Cat Toy Turboscratcher Cat Toy Cat Toy and Scratcher Pad offers hours of fun and exercise for your cat while reducing potential furniture damage due to scratching. Catnip and ball included. Scratch pad is replaceable. 16" Diameter x 1.88" Read More
West Paw Cat Toy Mouse Small enough to bat around, yet big enough to really sink some claws into. Filled with catnip too!...Read More	Petstages Catnip Feather Ball and Loop for Cats Attracts and keeps your cats interest by using two irresistable materials- Catnip and Feathers! Sold as a pair....Read More
Cat DVD for Cats Over 3 hours of digital video footage to entertain your cats or dogs. Squirrels, goldfish, mice, birds, laser pointers and much more!...Read More	Kong Naturals Crinkle Ring for Cats Designed to encourage your cat's natural hunting & stalking instincts, these lightweight, crinkly rings offer endless batting & chasing fun....Read More
Kong Naturals Mice for Cats Designed to encourage your cat's natural hunting & stalking instincts, these lightweight, springy toys ensure endless batting & chasing fun....Read More	West Paw Hair Ball Cat Toys 2 Pack Fuzzy faux fur and an attention grabbing bell combine to create a realistic hairball....Read More

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