This is the look I get when Sierra's tummy starts to rumble. Does your cat have a special look that says "Feed me?"

HOME-MADE TOYS - we are talking CHEAP. I have discovered that paper rolled up in a ball, tin-foil rolled up in a ball & cardboard boxes of all sizes are the best toys for cats. Paper bags have also been known to provide some good laughs around our home. One of our cats used to spend hours inside a paper bag from the grocery store and actually run around the house inside it. A large cardboard box is fun if you cut holes in it and most cats will try to squeeze their bodies into a small cardboard box, ending up on their back with their legs in the air. Our Sierra likes to chew on the cardboard adding a bit of artistic flair to her new house. Sometimes a simple green bean thrown on the floor will have them pouncing and chasing and carrying their prey around. In the end they may eat their 'prey' and that's fine since cats can actually benefit from a few veggies.

So, before you head to the pet store to spend your hard-earned money on another cat toy, try some of these out on your cat. Another helpful hint on saving money..those cardboard boxes when dressed up a bit and a cozy pillow added for comfort, become very nice little cat beds. ^..^

This is my Sierra, who you will see quite often in this blog because she is just so co-operative and adorable. :)

DECLAWING is a procedure that excises the third phalanx, or the third small bone in the foot - like cutting off the top part of a human finger at the first joint. Besides the vast amount of physical pain the cat suffers during and after the procedure, there is emotional trauma. Cats' claws are their primary protective device. They know that they are not fully able to defend themselves after being declawed. Some will become nasty and others might withdraw into a shell. Did you know that the claws of a cat assist the animal in aligning their spines. When cats scratch with their claws and stretch, they help ensure that the vertebrae in their spines are properly aligned. In some countries, declawing is illegal and considered abuse.

This coming wknd I will be providing care for 2 beautiful cats I have not seen for awhile. I look forward to spending time with Sassy & Chloe. The owners have informed me that there will be another mouth to feed on my visit as they have set up a house and feeding station for a feral cat that lives in the bush outside their back deck. Interesting......

Brush, Brush, Brush -Did you know that 68% of cats over the age of 3 have periodontal disease?The disease is most prevelant in Siamese (I have 2 and one was adopted at the age of 20 and toothless), Persian & Himalayan. Periodontal disease has been associated with changes in a pet's kidneys, liver & cardiac functions. Unhealthy teeth in your cat can lead to an unhealthy cat. It is highly recommended by Veterinarians to clean your cat's teeth daily at home and have a dental check-up & cleaning yearly. My experience is that some cats do not take kindly to the toothbrush so cleaning your cat's teeth and gums with a warm, wet cloth can also make a difference to your cat's dental health. I recommend you speak to your vet.

When you need a vacation and you live with cats you have a choice to either board them at a kennel or call in a cat-sitter. Being a cat-sitter for 15 years and seeing just how well cats do at home during their owners vacation time, I recommend that you find a reliable, trust-worthy cat-sitter. Cats are much happier in their own environment rather than to be boarded at a kennel. Not only are we important to our cats but so are all their things such as their bed, favorite chair, window-sill and their cat-trees. They feel safe at home and they do not feel abandoned. Check with your veterinarian or your local pet stores and if there is an in-home cat-sitter in your area I recommend that you meet with this person and see how your first meeting leaves you feeling as to whether this is the right decision for you and your cat. A good cat-sitter will come to you with many recommendations from other clients so do check them out. Once you have established a trusting-relationship with your cat-sitter you will go on vacation knowing your cat is happy and stress-free at home. I have kept in touch with my clients by sending them an email daily and although I have not been asked to do so as yet, I will also post photos of your kitty back home. I do love my job.

How to get the most from your cat-sitting service -

1.Provide a telephone # where you can be reached or messaged at all time.

2. Be able to give a detailed account of your pet's regular routine, likes and dislikes.

3. Have everything the cat-sitter will need in an agreed area. This includes food, treats, utensils, medication, can opener, bowls.

4.Tell the cat-sitter where your cleaning supplies are kept.

5. Inform your cat-sitter of all health issues with your cat. (including allergies)

6. Inform your cat-sitter of all hiding spots.

7. Let the cat-sitter know if anyone else will be on the premises during your absence.

Here is a 'heads-up ' for those who may be tempted to try remedies from home before calling the Veterinarian... You should be aware that Aspirin, Tylenol & Motrin can be extremely toxic to cats. They can cause weakness, vomiting, convulsions, even death. Please contact your vet at the first sign of illness.

I am off to visit with 3 new clients named Tigger, Ruby & Henry. Will they love their new care-giver? Tigger....I think not. I have to win-over this guy as he does not like anyone but his owner. I am going in like a soldier, armed with treats and fully-loaded for fun cat toys. So I am heading to Almonte, Ont., a gorgeous, quaint little town that is home to the best bakery this side of heaven. "Baker Bob, I will see you right after I charm the whiskers off of Tigger".

Tulips are very toxic to cats so if you have brought a 'bit of Spring' into your home, please keep this lovely flower out of kitties reach.

What is knowing cats? It is what all cat lovers think they do. I believe that when we say we know our cats we mean that we are knowledgeable about their ways, needs and desires. The nearest we can come to knowing these elegant creatures is a matter of shared trust, love and the most intelligent care we can provide. As for our cats, what they know about us is, and I expect, will remain, their inscrutable secret.

Welcome to Just Cats In-home Cat-sitting Service. My blog is for the purpose of posting new and valuable information on caring for your cats. I am always interested to hear about your cat and I hope we can all learn new ways to make our cats lives more healthy, exciting and fun.