Fat Cat Camp Blog

Since Sascode is overweight and getting older, I have decided to put him on a diet.  Reluctantly, he has agreed but only if I set him up with his own blog.  Since I think it would be a good thing to track his progress online, Sascode now has his own blog at http://fatcatcamp.blogspot.com/ where we will track his progress and offer others advice for their obese cats as well.  Epa will undoubtedly make a few entrances as well.

In other news, I have been job-hunting, working, and volunteering a lot this week so posting has been suffering.  I'm hoping to post a couple in the next few days.

What I Learned From Animals

"Handle every stressful situation like a dog.  If you can't eat of play with it, just pee on it and walk away"

Animals make complex things simple.  Humans make simple things complex.  After years of being around animals, I have come to the conclusion that life would be a little easier if we just take advice from animals.

1. Almost any place can be used to take a nap.

• Just look at all the random places cats and dogs end up sleeping in your house.  Guarantee more than half the spaces are NOT in their beds.

2. Cheap toys can be as entertaining as it's expensive counterpart.

• Grab a piece of paper and throw it at your cat.  Grab a stick and watch your dog as you throw it.

3. When in trouble let people know.

• Have you ever known an animal to not yell out when it's stuck?

4.  You want something?  Go for it!

• You show a dog a treat and then hide it.  Have you ever seen a dog give up?

5. If anyone ticks you off, don't be afraid to let them know.

• My two cats are never afraid to smack each other if the other one is in the way.

6. Always make time for play.

• When does a dog not want your attention....and that tennis ball in your hand?

7. Never let a disability get in your way.

• At the shelter we have multiple tripods (3 legged cats), one born without an eye, and one who's deaf.  I haven't seen any of them let that stop them from playing with the others.

8. If you want someone's attention, let them know.

• My lap is the official  I-want-to-be-pet-now spot

9. Don't be afraid to run from danger.

• Animals hear loud noises, the majority will run.

10. Don't stress about how you look.

• Have you ever heard an animal complain about their hair once?

Traveling With Cats

People are usually in awe at the fact that I opt to drive, instead of fly, the 950 miles from here to my hometown.  They are more surprised by the fact that the two cats accompany me (and my mother, who flies down to drive up with me) on the road trip.  Here are some tips I've learned from doing this on multiple occasions: (note that a lot of these also apply to other types of pets as well)



1. Make them as comfortable as possible


I'm lucky enough that my cats don't freak out in the car.  The only time one of them yowls is when she is confined in her cage.  My cats are more comfortable being able to move around during the 16 hour drive (yes, they are confined to the car for a full 16 hours and we all survive).  However, this does not mean everyone should do this as cats are notorious for being bad travel buddies.  What I had originally done the first time I attempted this (and when I only had the one cat) was to have his carrier and a little pop-up pet tent facing each other so that his carrier contained a bowl of water and food, and the tent had the litter box.  He only meowed a few times throughout the trip to "remind" us he was there.  This seems to work for a few other people making similar trips for cat that may be stressed.  After that trip, I started using a baby gate to separate the back seat from the front and let the cat (and eventually cats) roam free in the back.  Now, I don't even use that and they know if they want to come up front, they have to sit with the passenger, not the driver. 

2.  Remember on trips: if you have to stop to eat and pee, they will need to too.

I always make a litter box, food, and water available for the cats.  Though mine hardly ever use these things (except when we stop and the car if off), it's there if they want it.  Also, I ensure that when we reach our destination, that they have all three available immediately once inside the house.

3.  Keep the environment calm

Do not blare your music, it will make your cat miserable.  Also, I've learned that at least one of mine does not like an open window, probably due to the noise when we're on the interstate.  The trip will stress your cat enough, do not add to their misery.  

4. Acknowledge them

They will feel lonely if they're tucked away in the back.  Say their name occasionally or, if possible, pet them.  Let them know they are not alone or being ignored.

5. Don't drug them

I have seen some people have their vets prescribe anxiety meds for their pets during travel.  I have also read a number of reasons not to do this.  It may calm the cat for the trip but once they wake up: they are groggy, have NO idea what happened throughout the day, and are now in a new place while dealing with the after effects of their meds.  Important note: NEVER give your cat any human medication without discussion with their vet first.

6.  An emergency occurs

If something happens to one of your cats while driving, DO NOT take your eyes off the road until you have safely pulled over.  Remain calm: if you are stressed, your cat will be.  

7. Careful when opening doors

When you make a stop, make sure you know where your cat is when you open the door.  You don't want a lost pet in the middle of no where.  For cats, they sell harnesses and leashes for walking your cat so if your cat is one to bolt out the door when you come home every day, I strongly suggest a harness in case you need to grab them quickly and easily.

8. Make sure they are identifiable

In the chance that they do get loose either while driving, at the airport, or at your travel destination, it is important that if found, your information is easily obtainable.  Both my cats have collars on 24/7 with tags that list their name and my phone number.  They are also both microchipped as the shelter they were adopted at does that for all cats they receive.  Even if they don't travel with you and stay indoors all the time, I strongly urge them to have a breakaway collar (in case they get caught in something, the collar easily comes off when they pull to prevent injury) and microchipped because you never know what could happen.

9. Plan ahead for hotels

I usually do all my trips in one shot and don't stay overnight anywhere, however, if you know you will be stopping overnight somewhere, call ahead to make sure the place allows cats.

10. Cat carrier

Make sure you can easily get the cat in their carrier.  This does not include finding your cat first but once you have picked up the cat and are trying to place it in their carrier.  It also provides them a safe place while in the car so make sure they have plenty of room.  If you are just going to leave the cat in the carrier, period during the trip, they probably would appreciate a larger carrier than normal to have during long trips, such as a large dog carrier.

There are plenty of sites out there that list other tips for travelling with cats.  This site talks about what to do for different types of travel with your pet (car, plane, before leaving).  This site also includes some quick tips on when accidents happen.  Another one is this site which provides some general tips as well.

Have you found some things that have helped with travel?  Or have tips for other types of pets?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Furkids is Driven for a Cause - Guest Post

Normally, I don't post two entries in a single day but this means a lot to me personally.  Furkids (click the yellow word to view their website) is a cage-free, no-kill animal shelter located in Atlanta.  They also were the home to both of my cats before I became their mother.  Sascode, was there for 4 year since he was about 9 months old and Epa was there from one month of age to right after her first birthday (I literally adopted her a week after she turned one).

Right now they need your help!  And all it will take is a few seconds of your time (and is totally free!).  They are currently in a vote-based contest called Nalley Driven for a Cause (again you can click the link in yellow) in which the winning organization will win a vehicle.  The only catch is that you have to have a facebook account.  What you need to do is add the app to vote (by clicking on the link, you go to the main page.  To vote you click on the "vote here" button in red).  Think that one vote won't make a difference?  Wel, here's the great part: you can vote once....every 24 hours!  So if you vote starting today you can vote 7 times since the contest ends on June 30th.

Below is a message from Sam, the founder and director of Furkids for more information on how winning this will help Furkids.  Please, please, please help Furkids win this!!!! (As with the previous guest post, I have not changed anything written below)

Furkids is participating in the Nalley Driven for a Cause contest to win a new vehicle!

This has quickly become a very exciting and engaging contest - early vote totals for the top two organizations, both animal related, have already doubled the total of the first winner, and we still have 8 days to go!

What is Furkids and what is at stake? Furkids is Georgia's largest no-kill animal shelter - caring for over 600 cats and dogs on a daily basis - more than any other organization in the state or Southeast. We operate a shelter each for cats and dogs, nine full-time adoption centers with PETCO and PetSmart, a house for FIV+ cats and a network of foster homes. We recently celebrated our 10th anniversary and over 7,000 animals saved. We also operate a successful thrift store to benefit our shelter.

We are participants in a contest and because this contest at the moment is between two animal organizations, we believe this is a important opportunity for animal lovers to cast a vote that will have a measurable impact for MANY Dog Breeds and Cats across our state. There are too many animals, cats especially, being killed every day in our kill shelters. It is our obligation to be their voice and express that Furkids is the vote for the person that wants to see the kill numbers going down for Cats and Dogs. 

We need an additional vehicle to transport our dogs and cats to more adoption centers on Saturdays and Sundays so they can meet adopters - allowing us to go and pull more homeless animals out of kill shelters on their last day. We save over 1,000 animals a year. We want to save even more. This vehicle will be used with that mission in mind.

Please cast your vote for the group that will use this vehicle to save more Cats and Dogs. Period. We want to win for the 73 cats killed this week in Rome and the many dogs killed in Murray, and the 100+ cats sitting at Cobb Animal Control waiting to be saved. This is why Furkids is competing in Nalley Driven for a Cause.

Why Yes, I Have Children

I was planning on doing a more entertaining post on funny things children say but I don't have any myself so I needed help from others in that respect.  I received too short of a list to make it it's own post so I will put down what I received so far:

1.  "While at Julia's concert today, Luke was begging me to go with him to find the "confession stand" "
2.  "At the zoo, my niece asked me why sometimes the kids have brown mommies when they're not"
3. "Brayden asked to see my cane and at age 4, said as he tried to use it 'I'm so old grandma' "


I do have two children of my own.  They just meow instead of talk.  When you think about it, pets are like having children, and many people decide NOT to have any kids since they already have pets and treat them as such.  For those fellow pet owners, you are probably shaking your heads in agreement.  For those without pets, I'll explain why pets are considered pets (with some specific examples I've experienced with my current two cats and from when our family had a dog).

1. They are living creatures.

•  Animals have their own needs that you have to be on top of.  They require to be fed, given water, a nice large queen-size bed to sleep on er.....a pet bed.  They also need to have playtime and acknowledged by you, their "parent"

2. They have additional needs besides food and shelter.

• Since it's just me living here, both my cats are constantly trying to get individualized attention from their mommy.  They will even "push" each other out of the way.  And by push I mean swatted at or chased away.  Millie, my dog, used to be the same way, except she was an only pet and there were 4 of us in my family so attention was not a problem.  Though she did have an issue with family members hugging each other and tried to join in....
• They also will miss you when you're not home.  My homecoming is usually me being met by two cats bounding down the hall to purr and rub against me.  Of course, that could also be because when I get home from work, they know they're getting their wetfood.

3. They get sick.

• Unfortunately, I have had plenty of experiences in this category.  But to generalize this: pets are living creatures and therefore are prone to bacteria/viral infections.  So they have to go to their doctor....and it isn't cheap in most instances.  
• Also, please spay/neuter your dog or cat.  It's the single most responsible thing you can do as a pet parent.  You wouldn't like your teenage daughter coming home pregnant or to find out you 14 year old son is a soon-to-be dad, the same should be true about your pet.  Plus, they typically have more than 1 pup/kitten at a time.  Remember that next time you're thinking your pet knows how to say no (because in most cases, they don't)

4. They like to bug you in the middle of the night.

• I don't think there has been a night since owning a pet that I've slept the entire night without having a cat pounce on me, tap my face to lift up the blanket for them to crawl under, a dog whining to go outside, a dog whining to be let into the bedroom, etc.

5. You have to clean up after them

• I'll leave the obvious explanation out.
• They also tend to knock things over.  I've had countless cups and the like knocked over by a cat (usually Sascode) filled with water for the past year.
• Dogs also have a strange fascination with the garbage

6. They get pissy

• It can be against each other or you.  Either way, you usually end up with scratch or bite marks on you. Oh those teenage years.

7. They misbehave

• I know I've had to shout at my two cats for fighting or injuring each other.  I know I'm not the only one.

8. Occasionally, you need to find a baby-sitter

• This may be because you're going out of town or because they need to be under watch due to a recent surgery and you have to work.  Either way, they can't be left alone for the amount of time you won't be home.

Updates From the !~Dining Room1` Table

The random characters in the title are the result of my still drugged up cat rolling around on my keyboard as I was typing.  I decided to keep them in as a reminder

Update 1 - The Cat
For those who are interested: surgery one of two for this cat came to about $1060.  Surgery two's estimate comes in at $800, but her mouth (and my wallet!) have to heal first before we even think about that one.

Update 2 - Research
One of the two major research projects I have to finish this month is really close to being done (as long as there are no surprises lurking between the pages).  Therefore, I have started focusing on the second one more to blow through this upcoming week.

Update 3 - Work
I think since the beginning of March I have taken almost two full weeks off from work in order to get major project number 1 completed (and it was worth it though that means I'm taking a big hit in income as a result).

However, since I have no idea when my job is actually going to end (I hate this), I'm making the assumption that I will be out of the job beginning May 1st and am starting to really push to find a new job, between working on the two research projects that is.  So, any good thoughts from everyone would be greatly appreciated!

Update 4 - Loans
So, I did a tally of my loans.  Remember how I gave an estimate of $80,000?  Well, officially, I'm at:

$17,538.35 undergrad

$69,264.44 grad

= $86,802.79 total


Yep, I owe enough that it could buy itself a nice little house in the suburbs.

My personal goal, it to be under $17,000 for the undergrad loan by June 1st, which won't actually be a problem because my kwikpay (yes I signed up for that bad boy) withdraws $217 every month so I just have to throw in another $100 or so on my own.  Overall, I would like to be under $86,000 total at the same time which means I'll probably have to throw in at least $1,000 towards my grad loan to 1) null the interest and 2) actually bring the total down or, I could pay the interest on the grad loan and put the rest towards the undergrad loan to drop the overall total. Future interest-wise though, it's smarter to put the money towards the grad loan. So essentially I'll have to pay probably about $1,600 when accounting for interest to drop the overall total below $86,000.  Now I'm ready to cry so on to......

Update 5 - New guy!
In the middle of this craziness, I started dating a new guy.  The only thing I'll say about him on here is that he's the reptile guy who wrote the guest post last month.


And in terms of The Amazing Loan Race: new month, new start.

Fun With Cats

Well, over the weekend, I had to take one of my cats to the vet since she has been acting odd for two weeks and started getting really bad Saturday night.  For those who don't know, I have two cats: a black one named Sascode (boy) and a dilute calico named Epa (girl).  Unfortunately, Epa lost a little over a pound since June (which is a lot for her since she was 9 pounds in June).  Also, her gums are really bad which the vet feels is genetic so nothing I could have done.  This is also probably why she's been sick multiple times since I've adopted her a 13 months ago (which is why periodontal disease can be deadly in humans).   So she'll be getting her teeth cleaned and possibly some extracted.  Sascode already has had five taken out himself last summer.  Unfortunately, this will impact my budget for the coming month since it will be a minimum of $400.  But I'm sure that anyone with pets understand it's worth it.  Sascode has been soo much better ever since his so I'm hoping Epa will be back to her bouncy self after.

But now to lighten things up, THIS is what I put up with when I come home everyday:

This is typical of Epa.  Especially when I really need to concentrate on something.

 Sascode likes to "hit" the bottle.

Who let the cat IN the bag?

Epa-In-A-Box

Why I have to wake up on time.

Who knew some cats actually liked to ride in cars?

Deep in concentration

If I have to brush my teeth, he's in there.