Arsenic and Old Books Book Review

I loved No Cats Allowed: A Cat in the Stacks Mystery so much that I decided to read another book in the series.  Arsenic and Old Books: A Cat in the Stacks Mystery by Miranda James did not disappoint!

About the Book: In Arsenic and Old Books, Athena's mayor, Lucinda Beckwith Long, has donated a set of diaries kept by Rachel Long during the Civil War to Athena College's archive department.  She wants Charlie Harris, who runs the library's archive department, to restore and preserve the diaries.  The mayor believes the diaries will help her son, Beck Long, in his race for state senate.

Jack Singletary, Beck's biggest rival in the senate race, wants to get his hands on the diaries - he believes they will reveal the past sins of the Long family.

A professor in the history department at Athena College is also desperate to get her hands on the diaries as a last ditch effort for tenure.  When the professor ends up dead, Charlie has to figure out what's in the diaries worth killing for.

Mancat Monday

Hi everyone, it's mes, Carmine!

Mes ams just hanging out in my box bed.  Mes likes to switch between my box bed and my warm cat bed a lot so mes can stay near the Mom.  

Mes has been eating most of my meals lately.  That makes the Mom quite happy.  Mes really likes my our new bowl.  Mes eats my breaky out of it everyday.  Don't forget yous can enter to win one, too!

Milita is done with hers antibiotic nows.  Mes thought it was really funny to see hers kick hers way out of hers purrito everyday and kick the Mom at medicine time!  The Mom didn't think it was quite as funny as mes did, MOL.

That is all mes has to report right nows.  Mes thinks it's time for mes to enjoy some snoozies in my box bed nows.  Have a good week, friends! 

Dr. Catsby's Bowl for Whisker Fatigue Review and Giveaway

A cat's whiskers serve many functions.  They help a cat navigate her environment, find her way in the dark without bumping into objects, and help her decide if she can fit into a small space.  A cat's whiskers are very sensitive.  Cats can experience discomfort or even pain when their whiskers touch the sides of their bowls while they are eating.

Does Your Cat Experience Whisker Fatigue?

Your cat may be experiencing whisker fatigue if he:

• Leaves food in his bowl even though he is still hungry.
• Leaves a mess on the floor while he's eating.
• Hesitates to eat his meal even though he is hungry.
• Paces around his bowl.
• Pulls food out of his bowl with his paw or mouth and eats it on the floor.
• Acts aggressively toward the other pets in the house at mealtime.  

Dr. Catsby's Bowl for Whisker Fatigue

Dr. Catsby's Bowl for Whisker Fatigue allows your cat to eat comfortably because the bowl's design insures that your kitty's whiskers never touch the sides of the bowl.  The bowl also allows for easy access to food; the food always stays in the middle of the bowl.  

Jewel's Journey

When I was renting a room from Jewel's former owner, I discovered something new about Jewel.  I don't remember exactly how it came about, but I suspect I had gotten the toy out to play with Carmine or Milita, and then went into Jewel's former owner's room to visit with him and Jewel.  The toy was a pole with cloth-like strings hanging off the end.  I started moving the toy around by Jewel, and to my shock, she starting batting at it!  It turns out she really liked the toy, so I started getting it out more often to play with her.

It always made me happy to see Jewel enjoy a nice play session.

Do your cats enjoy fishing pole toys?

Protecting Your Cat from Easter Dangers

Easter is a fun and joyous time of year.  However, as with any other holiday, there are potential dangers to our furry friends.  These dangers include toxic plants and flowers, decorative Easter grass, and candy.  Please continue reading to learn about these potential dangers as well as how you can protect your cat from them this Easter.

Toxic Flowers and Plants: Many beautiful flowers begin to bloom in Spring.  However, many of these beautiful flowers are also very dangerous to your cat.  Please note that this is not a complete list of toxic flowers and plants.  You can visit the ASPCA's list of toxic and non-toxic plants for a more complete list.

Easter Lilies: I would highly suggest NOT bringing home Easter lilies if you have a cat as part of your family.  All "true lilies" are incredibly toxic to cats.  Ingesting even a few leaves or petals from a "true lily," drinking water from the lily's vase, or licking pollen off its fur can cause acute kidney failure in cats.  "True lilies" come from the Lilium or Hemerocallis species and include the Tiger, Easter, Western, Red, Japanese Show, Asiatic Hybrid, Day, Rubrum, Wood, and Stargazer lilies.  All parts of these lilies are toxic - stems, leaves, petals, and pollen.  

Clinical signs typically appear six to 12 hours after ingestion and may include decreased or excessive thirst, lack of appetite, vomiting, decreased or excessive urination, dehydration, lethargy, acute kidney failure, and death.  Symptoms will worsen as kidney failure develops.  Some cats may also experience seizures, disorientation, and staggering.  If you suspect your cat has ingested any type of "true lily," please take her to a veterinarian immediately.  The sooner a kitty is treated for lily toxicity, the better her chances of survival.  Treatment includes giving medication, such as activated charcoal that binds the poison in the stomach and intestines, giving intravenous fluids to help flush out the kidneys, inducing vomiting, and using blood tests to monitor kidney function.

Raja Seeks His Forever Home

Raja

Angels with Paws

Denver, CO

Photo from Raja's Adopt a Pet profile page.

Raja is a handsome orange tabby domestic shorthair mancat waiting for his forever home.  He has a couple of white patches around his face and tummy - isn't he adorable?  

Raja was adopted as a kitten and was recently returned to the shelter after spending four years in his former home.  He is a bit shy and will need time to adjust to a new home.  Once he gets to know you a little, he enjoys being pet.  He also likes to play, especially with catnip toys.  

Angels with Paws reports that he is tolerating his feline roommates as long as they don't bother him or try to dominate him.  Because he is shy, he needs a quiet home.  The shelter believes he would do okay with older, calm, cat-friendly children.  

Please visit Raja at Angels with Paws, located at 2540 Youngfield St. in Lakewood, CO.  You can also call the shelter at 303-274-2264 for more information about him.

Milita's Monday

Hi everyone, it's Milita today.  

See the bandage on my leg?  It's from where they put my IV for surgery last week.  They shaved part of my leg for the IV, too.  

On Thursday, the Mom took me to the vet for dental surgery.  She had noticed I was starting to eat a little funny, and the vet had remarked that I could use a dental "soon" at my last visit, so the Mom got me in for one.  

When I woke up, I noticed they had stolen a couple more of my teeth - at least they only stole two this time.  The Mom came to get me in the afternoon.  I was so happy, I purred and purred and purrrrrred at her.  I would try to stand up in my carrier so she could pet me, but then I'd flop right over on my side.  The Mom didn't let me anywhere near my tree that night.  She wouldn't even let me jump on the bed by myself.  Once I was settled on her bed, that is where I stayed until the next day.  

I haven't been too happy with the Mom the past few days.  It seems like every little bit, she's giving me pain medication or antibiotics or Pred.  Can't a girl get a break around here?  

I am getting stronger with each day, though, so I make it harder and harder for the Mom to give me medication.  She tries to purrito me, but I still manage to kick her - hard.  That ought to teach her...

The Mom says I have to go back to see the vet next Friday so they can make sure my mouth is healing up okay, but after that hopefully I won't have to go back to see them for a while!  

Feline Hyperthyroidism

Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that occurs when a cat's thyroid produces excess thyroid hormones, mainly T3 and T4.  It usually presents in middle-aged or older cats, and there are no differences among gender or breed in terms of prevalence of the disease.

According to Cornell University, 98% of hyperthyroidism is caused by an adenoma, a non-cancerous tumor on the thyroid gland.  In only two percent of cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by a carcinoma, a cancerous tumor on the thyroid gland.

Because thyroid hormones affect many organs in the body, secondary conditions may occur as a result of feline hyperthyroidism.  For instance, excess thyroid hormones can cause the heart to beat faster.  Over time, cats with hyperthyroidism can develop an enlargement and thickening of the heart's left ventricle.  If left untreated, these changes can affect the normal functioning of the heart and may even lead to heart failure.  Fortunately, once the hyperthyroidism has been treated, the changes to the heart will often improve or resolve completely.

Additionally, cats with hyperthyroidism may also develop hypertension (high blood pressure).  Hypertension can cause damage to the kidneys, eyes, heart, and brain.  If a cat has hypertension in addition to an overactive thyroid, medication may be prescribed to manage the blood pressure.  After the hyperthyroidism has been treated, blood pressure issues will often resolve, and medication to treat hypertension may no longer be necessary.

Mancat Monday

Hi everyone, it's mes, Carmine, today!

Mes looks kinda grumpy in the photo, huh?  The Mom interrupted my conversation with Angel Jewel to take photos of mes!  Can yous believe hers??  Hers knows better than to bother mes when mes is in the pink cube - that's where mes goes when mes wants to talk with Angel Jewel (it was one of hers favorite spots, yous know).  

Last week, the Mom called Dr. M about mes not eating much of anything.  When hers talked to Dr. M, hers told the Mom that hers didn't want to raise my Prednisolone 'cause hers doesn't want mes to get diabetes.  Mes still doesn't know what this diabetes thing is the humans keep fretting over.  In any case, the Mom said hers agrees since if mes gotted diabetes, mes couldn't take anymores Pred.  

So Dr. M told the Mom to give mes Cerenia and pain medicine (Bupenorphine) for a few days and if that did not make mes want to eat, then to give mes my appetite stimulant (Cyproheptadine).  

Mes was still not eating much by Friday night, so the Mom gave mes the Cypro.  Then mes had like five snacks!!  Mes ated almost a whole can of Pro Plan noms.  Lita was getting all upset that hers did not get a snack every time mes did, MOL.  

Mes has slowed down on my eating again, though, so the Mom says if mes doesn't eat much dinner later, mes is going to has to have another Cypro.  

Lita is good.  Hers gets to go to the vet on Thursday to have hers teefers cleaned and any bad ones extracted.  Nobody has told hers about this yet 'cause hers is not going to be a happy kitty when hers figures it out.  But theys says the teefers cleaning should make hers mouth feel better.  

That is all mes has to report today.  Have a good weekend, everyone!

No Cats Allowed Book Review

No Cats Allowed by Miranda James is the first book I've read in the Cat in the Stacks series, and it was great!

About the Book: The library has a new director - Oscar Reilly - and nobody likes him.  He's rude and unfriendly, and he's irritating the entire library staff.  Reilly is working hard to cut library costs, and his first targets are the rare book collection and the archives.

Charlie Harris, who works in the library archives, has been bringing his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, to work with him for years, but Reilly now insists that Diesel stay home.  Reilly also wants to replace Charlie's good friend Melba, who works as an assistant to the library director, with someone younger.

The suspect list is long when Reilly's body is found in the basement of the library.  Though the evidence points to Melba as the murderer, Charlie knows she's not guilty.  He and Diesel must work together to find the real killer before Melba is deemed guilty.

My Thoughts: As I stated in the beginning of this post, this is the first book I've read in the Cat in the Stacks mystery series.  I didn't have any trouble following the storyline.  The author gives enough backstory that this book can be read as a stand-alone, though I don't know why you wouldn't want to read the rest of the books in this awesome series.

It's a #CatTeaPotty with Weruva's New Sustainable Cat Litter

We're hosting a #CatTeaParty today!  What kind of tea would you like?  We have all kinds - chamomile, apple cinnamon, blueberry, raspberry, and green tea.  Pull up a seat, let us pour you a cup of tea, and let's get this party started!

This post is sponsored by WeRuVa® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™.  I am being compensated to help create awareness about the launch of WeRuVa's new It's a Tea Party Cat Litter, but Fur Everywhere only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  WeRuVa is not responsible for the content of this article.  

You've probably heard of Weruva® cat food, but did you know that Weruva now makes cat litter as well?  All of my cats have really enjoyed eating the high-quality cat food Weruva makes, so I was thrilled when I learned the company is now making cat litter.  

Inspired by their rescue cats WEbster, RUdi, and VAnessa - the namesakes of the company - the founders of Weruva set out to make the highest quality cat food possible.  Driven by the same inspiration, Weruva set out to create the best litter possible for their cats.  

Weruva Cat Litter Made from Hinoki Wood & Green Tea helps naturally control litter box odor.  Hinoki wood, which is in the Japanese cypress family, naturally curbs humidity, which suppresses the growth of bacteria and mold.  Green tea contains catechins, compounds that have antioxidant properties, which also naturally suppress the growth of bacteria.  Because bacteria is often the cause of litter box odor, Hinoki wood and green tea's ability to naturally suppress bacteria and mold growth helps control litter box odors.  

Weruva Cat Litter is clay and grain-free.  The litter also doesn't contain any corn or wheat, which are common culprits of cat allergies.  

Additionally, the litter is low-dust, which is great for cats (and humans) who have asthma.  My asthma wasn't bothered at all when I poured the Weruva cat litter into Carmine and Milita's litter box.  The litter hasn't bothered Milita's asthma at all, either.

To be honest, I wasn't sure if Carmine and Milita would use the litter.  They've tried other alternative litters before and refused to use them.  To my surprise, they are using the Weruva Cat Litter and seem to like it; they've given it their paw of approval.

Weruva suggests that you put 2-4 inches of litter into the box for your cat.  I always put plenty of litter in Carmine and Milita's box because Carmine likes to dig and dig and dig and....well, you get the idea.  Weruva Cat Litter's larger granules make it more difficult for Carmine to sling litter all over the bathroom.  Additionally, neither cat tracks the litter as much as they do with other litters.  

Weruva's Cat Litter clumps well and does a great job of controlling odor.  All I smell when I scoop the litter is the litter's green tea aroma, which I love.  

Sustainability and stewardship of the earth's resources is important to Weruva.  The Hinoki wood they use in their litter is a salvaged by-product from other industries, including the construction and piano industries.  Additionally, a new tree is planted for every tree that is used.  

Weruva Cat Litter Made with Hinoki Wood & Green Tea comes in 6.7 and 11.7 pound bags.  Depending on how many litter boxes you use and how many cats you have in your home, Weruva estimates a 6.7 pound bag of their litter will last between 10 and 30 days while an 11.7 pound bag will last between 17 and 50 days.  You can purchase a bag of Weruva Cat Litter here.  

The party doesn't have to end here!  Continue the #CatTeaParty by following Weruva on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

This post is sponsored by Weruva and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping create awareness around Weruva's brand new natural cat litter, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Weruva is not responsible for the content of this article.

Murphy O'Malley Wants a New Snuggle Buddy: Opt to Adopt

Murphy O'Malley

Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue

Denver, CO

Photo from Murphy O'Malley's Adopt a Pet profile page.

Murphy O'Malley is an adorable orange mancat waiting for his forever home at Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue.  Murphy found his way to the shelter from Rock Mountain Feline Rescue's partner shelter in Pampa, Texas!  He is a loving and snuggly mancat.  He loves to lounge around, but he also enjoys chasing feather toys.  

A Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue volunteer and Murphy's good friend, Cathy, says that he is a gentle boy who will follow you around seeking attention.  She also says that he seems like a very laid back kind of cat, and that she has never seen him get into any kind of altercation with the other kitties in John's Room at the shelter.

Doesn't Murphy look like a kitty you'd like to snuggle with?

The shelter says that Murphy isn't a big fan of other kitties, but he would probably be fine with a mellow, laod back, and respectful cat in the home.  Murphy is FIV+, but please do not let that stop you from giving this wonderful boy a home.  FIV cannot be transmitted to humans or dogs and is only transmitted to other cats through penetrating bite wounds.  FIV+ cats can live long, healthy lives.

Murphy is already neutered, up-to-date on his vaccinations, and litter box trained.  You can meet Murphy at Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, located at 2390 S. Delaware St. in Denver, CO.  You can also get more information about him by calling the shelter at 303-744-6076.

Mancat Monday

Hi everyone, it's mes, Carmine, today!

After the Mom found out mes lost a few ounces last week, hers has been insisting mes eat more encouraging mes to eat more.  Mes has been quite picky about my noms again lately - mes will eat something once or twice and then no mores.  The one thing mes likes to eat most of the time though is the yummy a/d noms, and the Mom mixes those in with almost all my wet meals and snacks. 

Yous know what mes has been up to lately?  Mes thinks it is really funny, but the Mom doesn't think so, MOL!  

Mes has been meowing in the Mom's ear when hers sleeps!  Mes meows and meows and meows.....  Hers will reach over and pet mes, and then mes will stop for a bit.  But then mes starts meowing in hers ear again!  

The Mom isn't always so amused by mes "disturbing hers sleeps," but mes thinks my new game is a lot of fun!

Imperial Cat Cat 'n Around Cupcake Catnip Toy Review

Carmine really loves his Imperial Cat cat scratcher, so we were excited for the opportunity to try out an Imperial Cat Cat 'n Around catnip toy.

The Cat 'n Around cupcake is made of soft fabric and has a velcro enclosure on the back.  The refillable toy comes with a packet of certified organic catnip.  The velcro enclosure is easy to open and close, but the hole it makes when it's open is pretty small, making the catnip a little difficult to get in there, especially if your fingers are really small.

Once I got some catnip into the toy, I showed it to Carmine.  He was quite happy with the toy and immediately started playing with it and rubbing his face all over it.

Lita checked the cupcake out, too.  She didn't take to it immediately the way Carmine did.  But to be fair, Carmine was kind of hogging it...

The next morning, I heard Lita rolling around in the kitchen and found her having a good time with the cupcake toy!

Both cats like the toy and give it four paws up!

You can check out all of Imperial Cat's products on their website.  There, you can also search for stores near you that sell Imperial Cat products.

FTC Disclosure: We received an Imperial Cat Cat 'n Around cupcake catnip toy for a fair and honest review.  Receiving the toy did not influence my (or my cats') opinions.  All opinions expressed on Fur Everywhere are my (and my cats') own.  Imperial Cat is not responsible for the content of this article.  

Grumpy Cats Take a Trip to the Vet

Hi everyone, it's Milita today.  Doesn't Carmine look grumpy?  That's because he (and I) were dragged to the vet yesterday.  

Carmine got to go first.  They weighed him, and he lost 3 ounces.  The Mom isn't happy about that.  She says she is going to try feeding him more a/d again.  She had stopped feeding it to him after he had gained weight at his last visit to see if he could maintain his weight on regular noms.  So he will get to eat those yummy a/d cans - and the Mom won't let me have any.  

They took him to the back and expressed his anal glands, and then it was my turn.

The Mom got me out of my carrier and I growled.  She set me up on the table, and I growled and hissed at Carmine!  She said I should be nice to him, but I wanted him and the Mom and the vet tech to know my displeasure.  

The vet tech lady was nice to me, but I still just wanted to get out of there.  She looked at my teeth and felt my tummy.  She took me back to have the vet look at my teeth, too.  The Mom says that I am going to get my teeth cleaned on March 17th.  The vet said something about me having a bit of gingivitis.  

The Mom says it will cost lots and lots of green papers, but she says I am worth it!  I say she should save those green papers and buy me something fun and not take me back to the vet, MOL.  I don't think she's going to listen to me, though.  

Tigger Seeks a Forever Home: Opt to Adopt

Before we get to our Opt to Adopt for the day, Carmine and Milita are going to visit the vet later.  Carmine is getting his weight checked, and I am bringing Lita along because I want to get an estimate on a dental cleaning for her and discuss my concerns with the vet regarding her asthma and anesthesia.  I'm hoping we can get Lita all squared away to have a cleaning within the next couple of weeks.  I'm sure Lita will be complaining sharing about the trip tomorrow with all of you.

Tigger

Angels with Paws

Lakewood, CO

Photo from Tigger's Adopt a Pet profile page.

Tigger is a handsome orange tabby mancat looking for a forever home.  Isn't his crinkled ear adorable?!  

Angels with Paws rescued this sweet boy from being put down at another shelter.  Tigger is a big handsome guy who loves attention and to be pet.  He is friendly and likes to give kisses and little love nibbles (don't worry, they don't hurt).  

Tigger is approximately nine years old.  He is front declawed (he was declawed before coming to the shelter).  He would prefer to be the only kitty in the home, but he is getting along with his docile feline roommate at the shelter - they leave each other alone.  He would probably be fine with older children, but the shelter isn't sure how he would react in a home with a dog.  

Tigger is neutered, up-to-date on his vaccinations, and litter box trained.  Please visit this sweet mancat at Angels with Paws, located at 2540 Youngfield St. in Lakewood, CO.  You can also get more information about Tigger by calling the shelter at 303-274-2264.