by Nomi Berger
 
The problem of pet overpopulation is a global one and requires a solution on a global scale. But like every journey that begins with a single step, this particular journey must begin with every dog and cat owner. Those who do their part and act responsibly by spaying and neutering their family pets.
 
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of a female dog or cat's ovaries and uterus, while neutering (castration) is the removal of a male dog or cat's testicles. To minimize discomfort and pain, both procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Most animals are back to their “normal” selves within a few days, the surgery site usually heals within two weeks, and any skin stitches removed by one’s vet at a follow up appointment.
 
According to SPAY USA, an unspayed female dog, her unneutered mate and their offspring (if none are spayed or neutered) result in the births of a staggering 12,288 puppies in just 5 years. An unspayed female and unneutered male cat and their offspring (if none are spayed or neutered) can result in the births of a mind boggling 781,250 kittens in 7 years.
 
The inevitable outcome?  Millions of dogs and cats euthanized through no fault of their own. Why? Because they are the tragic but avoidable result of over breeding and overpopulation. Why? Because there are too few shelters to house them, too few rescues to save them, and too few homes to either foster or adopt them. Why? Because there are still too many owners unwilling to spay and neuter their pets.
 
Spaying and neutering dogs by the age of 6 months is growing in popularity, and the benefits to their health and well being are well documented.  Spayed females are 16 times less likely to develop mammary cancer than those left intact. Early spaying is also their best protection against infections like pyometritis, and ovarian and uterine cancers. Early neutering of males protects them against testicular cancer, and helps curb aggression and other undesirable behaviors.
 
Both intact male and female cats may try to escape their homes to roam outside. Neutering a male eliminates roaming, urine spraying, and fighting with other cats. Spaying a female eliminates the estrus or “heat" behavior of yowling that attracts and invites mounting by roaming males.
 
Spayed female cats are less likely to develop breast cancer and won’t be at risk for either ovarian or uterine cancer. Neutered males won’t develop testicular cancer, and without the need to roam, their risk of being injured or infected by other cats is drastically reduced. And males neutered prior to puberty (six months) won’t develop the large head and thick skin of intact males.
 
For years, reputable rescue organizations have been spaying and neutering the animals in their care before putting them up for adoption. Now, spay/neuter clinics have been opening across the country, mobile spay/neuter clinics are reaching those unable to reach them, and many rescues have received grants enabling them to offer their own spay/neuter programs to low income households.
 
Imagine if every conscientious dog and cat owner in every community, town and city in the country took responsibility for spaying and neutering their family pets. Imagine what we, as part of the global community, could accomplish then.

by Nomi Berger
 
All too common in cats, arthritis (also called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis) is a chronic, painful and progressive condition that involves their joints, particularly as they age.
 
Normally, the cartilage that lines and cushions a cat’s joints enables the bones to slide past each other smoothly and easily. But when a cat has arthritis, those smooth surfaces are worn down, making the bones grind against each other like sandpaper, leading to swelling, inflammation and pain.
 
The most visible symptoms of cats with arthritis include: limping, stiffness in their legs particularly after resting or sleeping, irritability, less time spent grooming, hesitance or reluctance to jump up or down, difficulty using their litter box, difficulty going up and down stairs, a reduced level of activity, reduced height when jumping, and hiding or sleeping more than usual.
 
Some of the most common factors that increase a cat’s risk of arthritis are: wear and tear (her joints may weaken as she ages); abnormalities (abnormal hip development can affect the cartilage around her joints): injury (a joint fracture or joint injury may cause arthritis) and genetics (some breeds, especially Maine Coons, Persians, Scottish Folds and Siamese have an increased risk of arthritis due to the abnormal development of their cartilage or hips).
 
While there’s no cure for arthritis, you, as a conscientious cat owner, can take steps to keep your precious pet as comfortable as paws-ible. If she’s suddenly slowing down or showing signs of pain whenever she moves, bring her to your vet right away.
 
Your vet will review her medical history and perform a thorough physical examination, looking for: visible joint deformity, obvious joint pain, decreased range of motion, grating (a scraping sound) when she moves her joints, fluid in the joints and unstable joints. To confirm a suspected diagnosis of arthritis, your vet will then x-ray your cat, focusing on the insides of her body in general and on her bones in particular.
 
If your kitty does indeed have arthritis, the following are the various treatment options available:
 
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Your vet will determine the duration and type of treatment your cat receives.
Pain management medication. When NSAIDs aren’t appropriate or sufficient enough, your vet may add painkilling drugs to to the treatment plan.
Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs). One of the DMOADs commonly used is an injectable medication containing the active ingredient polysulfated glycosaminoglycan or PSGAG (Adequan® and Cartrophen®).
Acupuncture. An old healing practice in Chinese medicine, specially designed needles are placed at specific points in your cat’s body to help relieve her pain.
Cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation (PBMT). Non-invasive and shown to ease pain and decrease inflammation, this treatment involves your vet or vet tech moving a small device that emits therapeutic light waves across your cat’s body on top of her fur.
 
At home, it’s essential that you create a comfortable environment for your arthritic kitty by:
Giving her a soft, warm bed that’s easy for her to get into and out of.
Purchasing a litter box with one low side for easier access.
Providing her with a ramp up to her favorite place to rest and relax – whether it’s a window seat, the couch or your bed.
Keeping everything she needs and uses -- her bed, litter box, food and water bowls -- on one floor if you live in a house with several floors.
Using soft brushes when you groom her.
Ensuring she maintains a healthy weight in order to put less stress on her joints
 
And remember: since cats are famous for hiding their pain, pay close attention to the subtle signs that something’s amiss. The sooner arthritis is caught and treated, the better.

by Nomi Berger
 
A common illness in cats, it’s similar to a cold but can be far more serious. Caused by either viruses or bacteria, it targets the upper airway -- the throat, nose and sinuses – rather than the lungs.
 
Although symptoms may differ depending on the cause and location of the infection, some of the most common ones include: sneezing, runny nose, cough, hoarseness, congestion, fever, drooling, gagging, clear to colored nasal and eye discharge, decreased appetite, oral and nasal ulcers, squinting or rubbing eyes, depression and lethargy.
 
Between 80 and 90 percent of upper respiratory infections are viral and the rest are usually caused by bacteria. Found in the tears, nasal secretions and saliva of infected cats, these viruses spread rapidly through direct contact such as touching and grooming or when ailing cats cough and sneeze on one another. The viruses can also live on the surfaces cats share -- food and water bowls and litter boxes -- while humans can spread the virus from cat to cat when their hands and/or clothing are contaminated.
 
Occurring most frequently in cats living in crowded conditions like shelters and breeding facilities, upper respiratory infections can just as easily affect cats living in multi-cat households. Other factors putting them at risk include:
· Age: Kittens and elderly cats are more likely than adult cats to become infected.
· Vaccination status: Annual vaccines can prevent them from getting sick or ensure that their infection is milder.
· Physical condition: Cats with feline leukemia (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are more likely to get infections, while other illnesses or medications that suppress the immune system can also make cats more susceptible.
· Stress: This can not only make cats likelier to become infected in the first place but be re-infected when they’re older.
· Breed: Persians and other flat-faced breeds are more prone to infection because of their facial structure.
· Being outside: Outdoor cats and those who live both indoors and out are more likely to come in contact with infected cats.
 
If you suspect that your kitty has an upper respiratory infection, take her to the vet immediately. Not only can vets often tell what the problem is by looking at her and inquiring about her symptoms, they may also recommend certain tests such as:
· Blood tests. Combined with other lab work, these tests can rule out other causes for your cat’s symptoms – from dehydration to a possible electrolyte imbalance.
· Eye and/or mouth swabs. Such swabs enable your vet to grow a culture to determine which bacteria or virus is causing her infection.
· X-rays. If your cat suffers from recurring infections, a chest x-ray is the most accurate way to find out why. It can also help diagnose a possible fungal infection.
 
Once a clear diagnosis is made, the vet will decide on the most effective treatment for your cat. This may include medications, rest, isolation, IV fluids and nutritional support. And since cats often get a bacterial and a viral infection at the same time, should yours fall into this category, she may require antibiotics.
 
While your cat recovers in the familiar warmth and safety of her own home, consider these additional ways to help her feel better:
· Provide her with a comfortable and private place to rest.
· Encourage her to eat. Since cats with an upper respiratory infection lose some of their sense of smell, tempt her with the highest quality treats and food possible – ones with the fishiest odors.
· Gently clean any discharge from her eyes and nose.
· If her breathing is an issue, your vet may suggest placing her in the bathroom with a steamy shower running.
· But of utmost importance, use her prescribed medications precisely as directed.
 
Should your cat’s upper respiratory infection go untreated, it can often turn into pneumonia or have other serious complications such as chronic breathing problems and blindness.
 
To help prevent these infections in the first place:
· Keep your cat indoors to lower her risk of being exposed to infected animals.
· Ensure that any infected cat in a multi-cat household is properly isolated from your other cats.
· Minimize her stress level.
· Keep her up-to-date on vaccines as recommended by your vet, and although a vaccine for an upper respiratory infection may not prevent it, it can make one less severe.
· Since a cat’s best defense is a healthy immune system, regular vet examinations and preventive care can help catch and treat any problems early.
· Wash your hands thoroughly when handling multiple cats and, to err on the side of caution, consider changing your clothes afterwards.

by Nomi Berger
 
With the approach of the holidays, everyone’s thoughts turn naturally to the happy chore of gift giving to those nearest and dearest to them. While some people opt for the tried and true, hoping another gift certificate isn’t too impersonal or another sweater or tie, scarf, box of chocolates or bottle of perfume isn’t too predictable, they’re much safer choices than those being considered by others: a kitten!
 
The gift of a kitten is not the same as the gift of a small, stuffed plushy toy. More often than not, wrapping a red and green ribbon with a matching bow around the neck of a living, breathing animal signals only one thing: trouble. Animals are not toys and should never be anyone’s holiday surprise. Unlike other holiday purchases, there are no refunds or exchanges on kittens, only serious, possibly dire consequences. Although the idea of a kitten as a present may seem thoughtful, it is, in reality, thoughtless. 
 
Why? Because the gift of a kitten means someone else must accept responsibility for that kitten. (Grandparents, parents and “empty nesters” come quickly to mind). Because the gift of a kitten means a potential commitment of 10 to 15 years or more on the part of these recipients. What you consider an act of generosity may, unfortunately, be seen instead as an imposition. If they want a kitten, it’s up to them to make that choice.
 
The same holds true when considering a kitten for your own family. And it must be a carefully considered choice. An informed decision made by everyone involved. Does anyone suffer from allergies, particularly to cats? Does everyone even want a kitten? Does everyone understand what it means to share in the many responsibilities of raising a kitten? Because adding a kitten to your family not only involves time and money, it means providing that same innocent kitten with a loving and stable home – forever.
 
Children should never be presented with a kitten at any time of the year. Typically, they will be charmed by this small, furry plaything that leaps and jumps, purrs, meows and nips, runs here, there and everywhere, and gets into all manner of appealing and amusing kitten mischief. Until the novelty wears off and reality sets in. The reality of actually caring for their cute little bundle of undirected energy. Kittens are not so cute when they have to be patiently taught proper kitten manners – not to bite fingers, pull hair or scratch skin, not to scratch furniture and not to jump up on counters.
 
Kittens must be trained how to properly and politely use a litter box, respond to their name when called, and eat and drink out of their designated bowls. Kittens must be kept creatively occupied to both burn off their exuberant energy and strengthen the bond between them and their family. Kittens must be provided with the means to keep themselves constructively occupied when left on their own – from cat trees and cat towers to cat tunnels and puzzle toys.
 
Long before that kitten matures into a cat, you, as the well-intentioned gift giver, will, in all likelihood, be that same kitten’s full-time caregiver. And, unfortunately, some of you won’t be prepared for this eventuality. If the result isn’t a poorly trained, ill-mannered and destructive pet, the alternative is even worse. Another well-intentioned but misguided “gift” either dropped off at a pound or surrendered to a shelter, potentially to be euthanized.  
 
In lieu of a kitten, consider a holiday “gift” that keeps on giving in the most paws-itive sense of the word by supporting an animal organization like ours! Make a one-time tax-deductible donation to us in the name of your grandparents, parents or “empty nesters.” Make a monthly donation to us in your name and/or the names of your children.
 
In short, to ensure that your own holidays are both happy and harmonious, ensure that your gift list never includes pets.

by Nomi Berger
 
Curious about caterwauling or are you already familiar with the eerie sound emanating from your favorite furry friend?
 
For those who have never heard it, caterwauling is a high-pitched, melodic and drawn-out “YOWL” that, once experienced, is seldom forgotten. Consider then, the paws-ible reasons behind it and how you can help remedy the situation.
 
1. Cats caterwaul when they’re in pain: Famous for hiding their pain, felines who caterwaul, seemingly for no apparent reason, are sending you a clear message -- of distress. This merits an immediate visit to your vet to either uncover or rule out a possible medical reason behind it. Remember too that cats of all ages can develop kidney disease and an overactive thyroid -- both potential reasons for overly excessive vocalizations, including caterwauling.
 
2. Cats caterwaul to signal their need to breed. Cats who are neither spayed nor neutered are notorious for their caterwauling. Intact females in heat will caterwaul to attract a male while intact males will caterwaul when they know a female is in heat. The best, most responsible way to prevent this and, at the same time, assist in controlling the problem of cat overpopulation is by always spaying and neutering your pets.
 
3. Cats caterwaul to alert their owners to outside activities. Curious about everything they see, cats “sound the alarm” whenever they spot something either intriguing or disturbing outside a window. From birds and squirrels to mail carriers and fast food deliveries, their greatest concern is the sight of another cat perched on what they consider their territory. The easiest way to eliminate the source of your cat’s agitation is by closing the offending window, blind or curtain to restrict her view of the “interloper,” and provide her with an alternative form of entertainment (a window with an obstructed view works just as well).
 
4. Cats caterwaul when they feel vulnerable or insecure. Some cats feel especially anxious without the reassuring presence of their owners – whether they leave the house or simply leave the room. Feeling abandoned, these cats will express their anxiety by caterwauling. This insecurity may also manifest itself when visitors come to call or when their family moves. If your cat is susceptible to such anxiety, make certain to anticipate her reaction ahead of time and reassure her that she is safe and sound. Shower her with extra affection, cuddles and pets, and take her to bed with you at night as proof that you haven’t left her alone.
 
5. Cats caterwaul when they’re disoriented. The older cats get, the more prone they are to changes in their cognitive functioning. According to the ASPCA, feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD) or cat dementia, affects over 55 percent of cats between the ages of 11 and 15, and over 80 percent of cats between the ages of 16 and 20. Since caterwauling can be one of the many symptoms associated with FCD, it’s vital for you, as a cat owner, to familiarize yourself with all of the symptoms in your senior cat so that you can both cope with and comfort the kitty you cherish.
 
Once again, as a concerned pet parent, you should share those concerns with your vet. They may recommend pheromone or drug therapy (the use of feline pheromone sprays or diffusers in areas where your cat spends most of her time may reduce her anxiety), while anti-anxiety medication may help reduce your cat’s excessive vocalizations. You can also seek the advice of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a veterinary behaviorist.
 

by Nomi Berger
 
Is your favorite feline continually meowing for more food, paw-lease?
 
If so, the cause may be either physical or psychological. Consider then, the following five reasons for this behavior:
 
1. Your cat may have roundworms. Often times, an always-hungry cat may be infested with roundworms that are “leeching” all of the nutrition from her food long before she eats it. Strangely enough, infected cats may look fat since these parasites have the unfortunate effect of making their bodies swell. And because roundworms are contagious to people, if you suspect your cat is infected, collect a sample of her feces and take it to your vet for testing.
 
2. Your cat may have hyperthyroidism or diabetes. Both diseases cause a considerable increase in an affected cat’s appetite. Hyperthyroidism makes her ravenous because her metabolism is burning far too many calories. Diabetes, on the other hand, makes her overly hungry because her body is unable to convert sugar into energy. In both instances, her body is being deprived of the benefits that only proper nutrition can provide. If your cat is eating constantly and not only losing weight but also drinking an excessive amount of water, have her seen by your vet as quickly as possible.
 
3. Your cat may be bored or lonely. Like people, some cats will overeat out of boredom or loneliness. To keep your cat from getting bored, provide her with more stimulation and stop allowing her to graze and munch on kibble all day. Instead, supply her with intellectually stimulating toys and place her kibble inside puzzle toys or in an automatic feeder that provides her access to a small amount of food at pre-set times throughout the day. The toys will keep her happily engaged and amused while the puzzle toys, particularly, will encourage her to “work” for her food, helping her burn off those unwanted calories. But if loneliness, not boredom, is the problem, consider adopting another – compatible -- kitty to be her precious playmate and constant companion.
 
4. Your cat may be depressed or grieving. Just as with people, eating excessively is a familiar form of self-soothing behavior for sad cats with a serious case of the kitty cat blues. If your cat shows little interest in the world around her, try luring her out of her kitty cat shell by engaging her in gentle, interactive play. As an added incentive, give her what cat behaviorists refer to as “love blinks.” Slowly close your eyes, keep them closed for a second, and then slowly open them again while thinking of those three magical words: “I love you.”
 
5. Your cat may be failing to have her nutritional needs met. Poor-quality cat food is equivalent to fast foods and starchy foods consumed all too often and in excessive quantities by people. Any cat deprived of the nutrients her body needs will attempt unsuccessfully to make up for it by simply eating and eating. Remedy the situation by speaking with your vet about the appropriate type and amount of food best suited to satisfy the needs of your overly hungry cat.
 

by Nomi Berger
 
A little understood condition, feline chin acne is basically a disorder of follicular keratinization (the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of the skin). Once excess keratin is trapped in the hair follicle, comedones or blackheads form, and should they become infected by bacteria, pimples or larger sores, similar to boils will result.
 
Some experts surmise that follicular keratinization may, itself, be related to excessive natural oil production by a cat’s skin. Others suggest that allergies, immunosuppression, stress, viral infection, and/or poor grooming habits may play a role in it. There may even be a connection between plastic food and water dishes and chin acne because the plastic’s uneven surface and inevitable scratches make it more prone to bacterial contamination.
 
Whatever the underlying cause, however, the most common overt sign of a cat with chin acne is the skin’s “dirty appearance.” Lesions may appear on her chin, lower lip and/or upper lip. A careful examination of her face will likely reveal blackheads and infected follicles, while her lips and chin may be swollen and inflamed (folliculitis). And if she has hard, crusty lesions that are causing her pain, this condition is known as furunculosis.
 
Vets typically diagnose chin acne based on the affected cat’s medical history and clinical signs. They may also order blood and urine tests, as well as skin cultures, skin cytology, and culture and sensitivity tests. If her lesions have an atypical appearance, they may recommend biopsies or skin scrapings to rule out cancer or some immune-mediated disease. And because an infected tooth root can mimic the appearance of chin acne, they may have dental x-rays taken.
 
Once a diagnosis is made, depending, of course, on the results, treating a cat’s chin acne always starts with an improved hygiene regime. Clipping her hair short and replacing plastic food and water dishes with smooth-surfaced, nonporous glass or stainless steel dishes, and scrupulously washing them daily, helps some cats. Using a benzoyl peroxide facial preparation or an anti-seborrheic shampoo will both cleanse the affected area and flush out the hair follicles. Applying an antibiotic ointment containing mupirocin (Muricin®) is highly effective as is clindamycin gel or a liquid preparation (Antirobe®, Cleocin®, ClinDrops®). Some cats benefit from taking Omega 3 fatty acids while, in more severe or chronic cases, vets may prescribe oral antibiotics, corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation) or isotretinoin (the human acne drug, Accutane®).
 
Thankfully, most cases of chin acne respond well to improved hygiene in combination with topical preparations and/or systemic medications, but cat owners must adhere closely to their own vet’s instructions to ensure ultimate and long lasting success and a happier, healthier cat.

by Nomi Berger
 
Are you all too familiar with the sight of your favorite feline excessively licking her paws? Have you ever pondered the possible reason or combination of reasons behind it? If so, then peruse the following:
 
Allergies: When cats have allergies – contact, food, pollen or seasonal – they tend to lick repetitively at the itchy rash produced by the allergy in an effort to find some relief from the discomfort they feel. Unfortunately, this excessive licking only aggravates the rash and makes the situation worse.
 
Anxiety: When cats are extremely anxious or stressed, they, much like anxious people who bite their fingernails or gnaw at their cuticles, will start incessantly licking their paws as a way of releasing that stress. If you find that your kitty seems overly anxious or stressed, make an appointment to visit the vet. Your cat may then be prescribed anti-anxiety medications to both help manage her stress levels and allow her to enjoy a more comfortable, more carefree life.
 
Boredom: As with anxiety, cats may counter their feelings of boredom by excessively licking their paws – even if it results in some of their fur falling out. The cause of this boredom is a lack of satisfying mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. To keep your kitty from getting bored when you’re gone, ensure she has various assorted toys, including puzzle toys, set out a cat tunnel, and provide her with a cat tower to climb. Then, when you return, set aside as much time as possible to interact with her using wand toys and laser lights to keep her leaping and pouncing while strengthening the bond between the two of you.
 
Fleas: A seemingly unseen infestation of fleas will often cause uncomfortable cats to continuously lick their paws. If you suspect that your cat has fleas, carefully part her fur and look closely at her skin. Then check several spots on her body for fleas or flea dirt or both. If she does indeed have fleas, ask your vet to recommend the best and safest feline flea medication in order to resolve this pesky problem as swiftly as possible.
 
Injury: Any trauma or injury to a cat’s leg, foot or paw pad may cause her to lick obsessively at that particular paw. If you think your cat may have hurt herself, try to get a closer look at her paw. If she’s bleeding (some cats will cut their paw pads when walking on “forbidden” surfaces) or if something seems amiss (it could potentially be a sprain or a broken bone), arrange to have her seen as quickly as possible by your vet.
 
Pain: One of the most common causes of obsessive paw licking is pain. And if your cat is in pain, she may literally be trying to lick it away by focusing her attention on the paw in question. Observe her closely awhile for some visible sign of a problem with that paw. Then, if she’ll allow you to touch it, gently move the paw around and monitor her reaction. If there is none, breathe a sigh of relief but continue to monitor her. If, however, she winces, cries out or tries to bite you, contact your vet immediately.
 
If none of the above scenarios applies to your particular cat, bring her, along with your questions and concerns, to your vet for a more accurate diagnosis.

by Nomi Berger
 
As the days grow darker and shorter, and the thermometer plummets, so does the mood of millions of people living in the Northern Hemisphere. But humans are not the only ones affected by what scientists refer to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Our cats – even the happiest, most active and energetic ones -- can suffer the same dramatic downturn in mood.
 
Signs of the kitty cat blues include a drastic change in appetite, excessive fatigue, nighttime restlessness, reduced social interactions, and/or extreme hair loss.
 
According to scientists, the reason for these behavioral changes in both humans and felines appears to stem from the effect that light has on two significant hormones. The first is melatonin, produced in the pineal gland. The second is serotonin, produced in the brain.
 
Melatonin, often referred to as the “hormone of darkness”, plays a vital role in regulating the sleep cycle. The pineal gland is light sensitive, and because melatonin is usually secreted at night, the less light there is – as in the shorter, darker days of winter -- the greater the production of melatonin.
 
Serotonin, often referred to as the “feel good” substance in the brain also affects mood, appetite and sleep – but in an entirely different way. In this case, it’s sunlight that’s needed for the production of serotonin.
 
There are ways, however, to combat the effects of daylight’s diminishing hours on your cat’s mood before the full onset of winter. The simplest solution is one used by many humans with SAD: spending an increased amount of time in natural daylight. If your kitty has a lounge or bed, put it next to a window or underneath a skylight. If you have a cat-proof window, open it and let her perch awhile on the ledge. If she’s comfortable outdoors, allow her some playtime when the sun is brightest.
 
Another remedy is an artificial sunlight lamp. These therapy lights use special bulbs that mimic the natural light of the sun and can be bought at any major general retailer or online. Simply keep it turned on in a place where your kitty spends most of her time when she’s awake in order for her retinas to take in all of the light.
 
Hopefully, following all or some of these suggestions will spare your cherished feline companion an unnecessary case of the kitty cat blues.
 

by Nomi Berger
 
Charles Dickens famously said: “What greater gift than the love of a cat.”

While cat lovers everywhere couldn’t agree more, did you know there’s a month dedicated purr-ticularly to the health and happiness of our wondrous, whiskered and whimsical feline friends? 
 
And that month is September. In fact “Happy Cat Month” is now an annual event presented by the CATalyst Council, a national initiative whose aim is to further educate the public and increase awareness about the lifelong health and welfare of companion cats.
 
To ensure YOUR kitty is living her happiest paws-ible life, they’ve revealed – with a tip of the proverbial hat to former talk show host David Letterman -- this year’s top ten list:
 
1) Provide her with toys: One of the easiest ways to make and keep your kitty happy is gifting her with a new toy. While store bought items are fine and fun, so are simple household items such as wadded up paper, paper sacks, and that all time favorite – empty cartons.
 
2) Train her: As bright as she is food-oriented, she can easily be taught new “tricks.” Not only does this stimulate her mentally and physically, training her also strengthens the bond between you.
 
3) Make her “work” for her food: With feline obesity on the rise, one way to combat it is having your kitty “work” for her food. Food toys that release small amounts of kibble as she plays with it are one option while another is to hide her food in different places so that she has to “seek” it out.
 
4) Acclimate her to the dreaded carrier: Set aside some time each day to work, slowly and patiently, with your cat on making the carrier feel like a safe place not a scary one. Praise and high value treats work wonders as she progresses, paw step by paw step, towards ultimate acquiescence and acceptance.
 
5) Visit your vet: Because a healthy cat is a happy cat, ensure that you schedule an annual wellness visit with your vet so that any issues you yourself may have missed are caught early.
 
6) Have her microchipped: In addition to her collar and identification tags, microchipping your cherished cat provides a permanent form of identification should she ever go missing.
 
7) Take her outdoors: To literally broaden her horizons, take your indoor kitty for occasional, brief walks outside using a leash with a harness, thereby enabling her to safely experience the wonders of the world beyond your windows.
 
8) Supply her with a proper scratching post: Since scratching is so important for cats, allowing them to both stretch and care for their claws, keep your kitty happy by providing her with a long, sturdy scratching post in a vertical, horizontal or angled position.
 
9) Provide her with preventive medications: A cat free of fleas and ticks, mites and heartworms is an especially happy cat. To maintain her health as well as your own, consult your vet about the best preventive measures to take and the best products to use.
 
10) Adopt another cat: If yours is a single-cat household, you might consider providing your kitty with a companion and playmate. Being such social creatures, cats are often happiest when they have a compatible feline friend with whom to frisk and frolic fur-ever.