JAN 15 - APRIL 15, 2024
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or simply sharing quiet moments of
coexistence. These experiences are
the foundations of a strong, lasting
bond, one that transcends the need
for physical proximity during sleep.
Creating a dedicated space for your
pet within your home can be an
expression of care and consideration.
A cozy bed in a quiet corner, where
they can feel safe and secure,
echoes the comfort and affection
they associate with your presence.
Training sessions become more than
mere exercises in discipline, they are
opportunities for building trust and
understanding, and deepening the
connection between you and your
pet.
Grooming routines transform into
intimate,
bonding
experiences.
Each stroke of the brush or careful
trim is a silent testament to the care
and affection you hold for your pet.
Engaging in conversations with
your pet fosters a unique form of
communication. It builds a bond
that thrives on non-verbal cues and
mutual understanding.
Feeding times can be elevated
to cherished daily rituals. These
moments,
consistently
shared
between you and your pet, reinforce
the trust and reliance placed in
you as their caregiver. Exploring
new environments together, like
discovering a new walking path or
embarking on a weekend adventure,
injects excitement and novelty into
your relationship. It keeps the bond
fresh and dynamic.
The decision to not co-sleep with
your pet is a statement of mutual
respect and understanding. It’s a
recognition of the multifaceted
nature
of
companionship,
an
acknowledgment
that
affection
and care are not limited to physical
closeness. They are nurtured through
a variety of interactions and shared
experiences.
As you settle into your pet-free bed
tonight, release any lingering guilt.
Embrace the understanding that a
well-rested you is the best gift you
can offer. Not just to yourself, but to
the devoted pet eagerly anticipating
the next day’s adventures and
moments of connection with you.
In the vibrant, diverse tapestry
of South Florida, where pets are
integral threads, we learn that the
essence of companionship is about
respect, care, and understanding
each other’s needs. Remember,
a well-rested owner is a happier,
more attentive companion during
the day, and that’s a reality your pet
will surely appreciate.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
I
have a cat that recently started poop-
ing on the floor in the room where his
litterbox is located. Oliver is nine years
old and has never done this before.
If you have multiple cats then
you probably know their brand of
poo. These piles I find from time
to time are definitely his brand.
The first thing I did was examine the poo
to make certain it looked normal and
that he wasn’t trying to tell me he didn’t
feel good. Well, his poo looked incred-
ibly healthy to me. So I cleaned it up
and put my thinking cap on. I asked my-
self, what the hell is he so upset about?
See, cats love to get your attention
when they are pissed. They poo in the
middle of the room, they scratch your
furniture to get your attention, pee
on your rug, all kinds of bratty things
to let you know they are NOT happy.
After I cleaned the poo, I looked at
the litter boxes. Sure enough, my old
lady cat, Zoey (I know her brand, too)
had explosive diarrhea in one box and
the other box was probably a little too
dirty for his liking. My next move was
to clean the litterboxes really well. As
soon as I was finished cleaning them,
here he came. He went right in and
did his business, jumped out, and went
his own merry way. Mystery solved.
Clearly, he is getting more picky in his
older age. Now, I make certain the lit-
terboxes are super clean and that there
are no big piles from my old lady cat.
These animals... the environment they
inhabit is small compared to ours. It’s our
job to make it as comfortable and conve-
nient as we can for them. If not, the bratt
comes out and they let us know in their
own little ways that they are not happy.
The lesson here is that if your cat starts
acting out of the ordinary, put your
thinking cap on. What has happened
recently that may have pissed him off?
Did you move some furniture around,
take away their favorite throw rug, or
have you been neglecting the litterbox
a little more as life has its’ way with you?
Oftentimes, the answer is right in front
of you if you just take a minute to think
about it.
by Shelly Allen
WTH is Wrong
with My Cat???