Cat stuff

Ever noticed that most blogs are 43% useful stuff, 51% regurgitated rubbish that you've already read in a spam email, and 16% nonsensical statistics that were made up on the spot?

Yes its regurgitated rubbish time! This is something to keep visitors amused, entertained or at least occupied until I can write something more useful (like finish that damn draft of the Dlg Tutorial part 7. Its about getting NPCs to butt in and initiate dialogue in various situations).

Today's blog is about cats, in honour of my gorgeous e-pal Sheila, who has a new kitten (well, not so new now ;-)). Enjoy!

If you can feel your cat's ribs with your fingers and see his waistline, he's probably healthy. If not, help your kitty drop some weight:

Get him to play. Invest in some interactive toys such as a fishing-pole line for him to chase.

Watch portions. Keep her food out of reach when you're not home. Cats should be fed mornings and evenings -- don't let them graze all day.

Make him move. Encourage your cat to climb by putting a table in front of a window that looks out to a bird feeder or some alluring sight.

Be patient. Have your vet weigh the kitty every few weeks at the start of the weight-loss program. Cats can safely lose up to 1% of their initial body weight per week.

A list of cat myths

1. Cats should have a litter before they are spayed.
This is not true. Cats that have a litter before they are spayed are not better for it in any way. In fact, spayed cats are healthier and have eliminated the risk for life-threatening uterine infections.

2. Street cats are always healthier than purebred cats.
This is not true. Both purebred and "street" cats can be unhealthy. Both can have diseases, however, many mixed breed "domestic" cats do not have many of the genetic diseases common in purebred lines.

3. All cats prefer canned food.
Some cats do but some cats will only eat dry food.

4. Cats cannot be trained.
This is not true. Cats are very smart and can be trained to do tricks.

5. Cats like tasty food.
Cats have poor taste buds and eat primarily based on their sense of smell.

6. Cats will let you know when they are sick.
This is not true. Cats generally are very good at hiding that they are sick by survival instinct, thus not to appear vulnerable to "prey". Often by the time they show you that they are sick, their disease or condition is quite advanced.

7. Cats don't need heartworm prevention.
This is not true. Cats can get heartworm disease, even indoor cats. Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes, which can come inside.

8. Cats don't need litter box trained - they naturally know where to go.
There is a natural instinct for many cats; however, not all cats understand the litter box concept.

9. Cats are happier and healthier when they are outdoors.
This is not necessarily true. Many cats are happy being outside at certain times, especially when the weather is good. However, during bad weather, they would prefer to be inside. Nevertheless, outdoor cats are definitely not healthier than those that remain indoors. The average lifespan of strictly outdoor cats is estimated to be approximately 1 year of age; indoor-outdoor cats about 3-6 years and indoor only cats have an average lifespan closer to 13-15 years.

CAT SAYINGS

1. "If life hands you a lemon, then tie it on a string and make a play-toy."

2. "There's more than one way to skin a dog."

3. "Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and I'll personally move into his garage."

4. "When the going gets tough, the tough find a sunny spot by the window."

5. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice and I'll scratch your face off."

6. Better to have napped and been disturbed, then never to have napped at all."

7. "Never drag home any dead thing that is larger than your head."

8. "Today is the first day of the rest of your lives."

9. "As you travel along life's long & lonesome highway, don't forget to stop and eat the roses."

10. "To err is human."