Arthur and Merlin trying to sleep on Mommy’s bed while she tries to change the bedding.

Here are a few articles I’ve written on feline topics:

Why cats purr and what they are saying when they meow

Cats, like people, love to talk and they will talk to you. You just will not be able to understand them.

What did that cat just say? If you are owned by a cat, you will say that at least once a month.

The cat purr is the most mysterious sound a cat can make. They purr when they are happy. They purr when they are scared. The act of purring seems to make them feel better and it has the same effect on people.

What makes a good cat name?

Your new cat climbs out of its carrier and you are faced with a choice. What should you call your kitty? What makes a good cat name?

As your cat explores its new home, you think about cat names. Some names are based on the cat’s appearance. Shadow or Midnight suit a black cat. Baby boomer traditionalists might think of Puff, the cat in the Dick and Jane series of children’s books. Science fiction fans will remember that Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation named his cat Spot.

Give your cat a great place to sleep

Your cat is an important member of the family. Why not give your cat a great place to sleep with a comfortable cat bed?

Cat beds come in all shapes and sizes, and in all price ranges. You can spend from as little as $8 to $150 and more, and they can be heated, enclosed, covered with all types of fabrics and in just about any color.

Your cat’s age will affect some of your choices. A kitten will not want or need a bed that fits an adult cat. An older cat will appreciate a heated bed more. Some beds may be too tall for your cat to climb in to easily. The right size for a cat bed is one that allows your cat to fit without lots of leftover space.

Dental care tips for cats

Cat dental health is an often overlooked topic. Our feline friends have such tiny teeth when compared to those of dogs that many cat owners assume that cat dental care is unnecessary.

Teeth, whether in a human or a cat, can become covered in plaque and tarter. Cats have an advantage over humans because they will rarely get cavities, since a cat’s diet is usually low in the sugars that help to create cavities in people. Plaque and tarter, though, will result in gum disease in cats just as it does in humans.

Arthur and Merlin are asleep in the picture window. The perch has a heating pad and the late Fall sun beats in. I doesn’t get much better than this for a cat.

Pebbles, in black, and Sarah, in white, watch a sparrow.

As you may recall, last week’s vet visit resulted in several recommendations for our portly Sarah.

The vet suggested we put Ban Roll On on her front leg where she has worried the fur off from stress. It would keep her away from the area.

Except, of course, our special kitty liked the taste. Or, at least, showed NO inclination to not lick the leg.

Suggestion two was to use Gold Bond powder on her butt. This would keep it dry and make the fecal matter less likely to stick.

Umm… the expression on her face when I first powdered her was unusual. I think she expected to get washed. She was both startled and intrigued.

And, the excess powder that fell off? Tasted good to her.

The Gold Bond seems to be working. Less stinky butt, for sure and it looks like less adhering to her as well.