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Affectionate and loving parrots, kitten overload, and pet proofing for safety.
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discussed the drawbacks). Dogs: Stetson (via animal trainer, Tonya Landon) lists ways for humans to express love for his fellow canines. Everyone: For perennially curious pets, pick up some safety tips to ensure your home is pet friendly. Plus, learn six budget tips to save money on pet care and supplies.
We hope you fi nd the articles informative. As pet parents, we continually strive to learn more about our feathered, furred, and scaled companions to ensure their lives are healthy and happy.
PUBLISHERPICM Publishing, LLC
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORGenevieve Campbell
EDITOR-IN-CHIEFChanté McCoy
MANAGING EDITORDeborah Myers
SOCIAL MEDIA &WEB MAINTENANCE
Liz RobinsonTurningstones Media
STAFF WRITERS April A. Northstrom / Kim JustenTonya Landon / Jennafer Martin
Mona Mistric / Sarah Tyler
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSHeather McIlvenna, DVM
GUEST WRITERSTemma MartinChase KimballTelesa Nicholes
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERChris Dickinson
CIRCULATIONShane Myers, Circulation Manager,
801.455.7032City Weekly Distribution
Smith’s Grocery Store Racks
GRAPHIC DESIGNERMichelle Bellinger
All illustrations created by Mashiara Graphics. Copyrighted 2015.
SALES & ADVERTISINGBeverly EglestonDeborah Myers
A RESCUE PLEA: Pets In Th e City Magazine is dedicated to and encourages rescuing companion animals of all types. Th ere are thousands of animals in Utah and across our nation needing a forever home. If you are interested in rescuing a companion animal, there are over 100 animal rescues in Utah. A good resource is petfi nder.com, a nationwide database for companion animals of all types. A rescued animal can be rewarding and lead to a forever grateful love.
Pets In Th e City Magazine © 2015 is an independent, free monthly magazine published by PICM Publishing. For information regarding Pets in the City Magazine, visit www.petsinthecitymagazine.com
Any and all articles in Pets in the City Magazine are submitted for reading enjoyment only. Please consult a professional and make wise personal decisions regarding health and safety issues of pets and family.
www.petsinthecitymagazine.comPICM Disclaimer: All reader submissions and photos are voluntarily submitted without expectation of compensation. All opinions of the authors in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Th e publisher has not confi rmed the accuracy of information contained in the articles. PICM reserves the right to edit, alter, or modify the submitted article to the extent in which we deem necessary.
Olfaction & Odor SeminarLiberty Elementary School140 W. 6100 S., MurraySun, May 31$135 includes manual, light breakfast, and lunch.For more info, email Kim [email protected].
Wags & Kisses PicnicWheeler Farm6351 S. 900 E., SLCSat, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.BBQ, pet portraits, live music, kid’s activities, dog games. For tickets, go to Th erapyAnimalsUtah.org.
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TABLE of CONTENTSEVENT CALENDARBREED ALL ABOUT ITEgyptian Mau, Exotic and Japanese Bobtail; Not Your Ordinary Felines - Sarah TylerEXPERT ADVICEKeeping Indoor Cats Happy-Heather McIlvenna, DVMRESCUE PROFILEUtah FACES - Chanté McCoyCUTENESS OVERLOADKitten Season is Upon Us- Temma MartinRESCUE MEASK STETSON Q & A - Tonya LandonMOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTEWHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A STRAY CAT - Mona Mistric
SAFETY FIRSTIs Your Home Safe for Furry Friends? - Kim JustenDO YOU WANT A PARROT FOR A PET? Part II: Th e Good - Chase KimballBUDGET TIPS FOR PARENTS6 Tips to Save Money on Pet Care and Supplies - Jennafer MartinMADAME TABU’S PET HOROSCOPEFAMILY FUN - Wasatch Reptile Expo- Chatty Catty- Book Reviews: Spring Books to Get You and Your Pet Moving - Telesa NicholesYOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS
Cover art: Michelle Bellinger
Last Month’s Issue
Event CalendarNKUT Adoption WeekendUtah State Fairpark155 N. 1000 W., SLCFri, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.Sat, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.You can help turn Utah into No Kill Utah. NKUT.org/events
Wasatch Reptile ExpoUtah State Fairpark155 N. 1000 W., SLCSat, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sun, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Utah’s Best Reptile and Amphibian Show and Salewasatchreptileexpo.com
5-0 FestPublic Safety Building475 S. 300 E., SLCSat, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.Anti-bullying event. Free to the public. Concert, fun activities, food & more. FiveOFest.org
Th e Fun Mutt 2K Obstacle Fun RunSalt Lake County Fairgrounds2100 W. 11400 S., S. JordanSat, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Human & dog run to raise money for the National Canine Caner Foundation.
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May 16 & 17
May 30 June 6
May 31 June 6
Welcome to our Cat issue, where felines preen in the spotlight. Enclosed articles discuss ways to keep indoor cats engaged, kitten season (and reasons to spay and neuter), three unusual cat breeds, and what to do if you fi nd a stray cat.
Of course, this issue also addresses other species, as we love ‘em all. Parrots: Th e second installment of a two-part series talks about the reasons why parrots are fabulous pets (part one
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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Michelle BellingerOwner of Mashiara Graphics
Designer for Pets in the City Magazine
Title: Lazy SundayMedium: Oil Paint
On the Cover
Breed All About It
When picturing a cat, we oft en go straight to the American Shorthair. Th is habit does quite the disservice to the cat family as the appearances and qualities of cats are broad and varied. A particularly interesting class of cats is the exotic, which includes the Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, and Exotic. Each of these three breeds have distinctive physical features that set them apart from other domesticated breeds.
The Egyptian Mau, a rare domestic breed, is expressive, with large, moon-like, gooseberry green eyes lined in black. A loose fl ap extends between his mid-abdomen and high knee, which, when coupled with his longer back legs, allows for a larger range of motion and wider gait, increasing the Egyptian Mau’s speed. Th is cat is the fastest purebred and built like a cheetah. His short fur comes in silver, bronze and smoke traditionally, but black and blue diluted versions have also been seen, though these variations are not allowed for showing.
His spots are the most striking feature of his appearance and appear only on the tips of the fur.
Weighing between six and fourteen pounds, the Egyptian Mau tends to be a medium-sized cat with lots of energy. Th e Egyptian Mau loves to play and run. More than that, he loves his toys and master and can be quite possessive of both. He breaks the bonds of typical cat stereotypes and fl aunts his rebellion through his affi nity for water and playing fetch.
Th is unusual cat has been cherished for centuries because of his loyalty and keen intelligence. He has even been found mummifi ed in Egyptian tombs! His very name “mau” means “cat” in Egyptian. Th ough the breed dates back to ancient times, the Egyptian Mau, as we know it today, owes its lineage to the female cat, Baba, owned by the Russian Princess, Natalie Troubetskoy. Supposedly, the kitten was given to the princess while visiting Rome by a boy who’d acquired it from the Egyptian ambassador to Italy. Baba and two of her off spring moved to the United States with Princess Troubetskoy in 1956. Th e princess created a breed standard and began a
cattery producing Mau off spring, ensuring the Egyptian Mau’s survival as a breed.
With very few health issues, an Egyptian Mau can live beyond fi ft een years. Couple that with his high-energy and loyal nature, and you’ve got a wonderful family pet for many happy years. Try adopting from a rescue agency, like the CFA Egyptian Mau Rescue/Retirees or the Egyptian Mau Rescue Organization.
Similar to the Egyptian Mau, the Japanese Bobtail’s back legs are longer than his front. His muscular frame is covered in either short or long hair, depending on the variety, and typically features a white body with a splash of color, known as “van” coloring. Two color splashes on the bright white coat is the most ideal combination. His perfect, equilateral triangle-shaped head features two oval eyes. Th e eye colors vary, but blue is especially prized. Th is cat’s most prominent feature is also his namesake. His curly bobtail, much like a fi ngerprint, is unique to each cat. Th is trait is genetic and, though the tail is small, it has the full set of tail vertebrae, just on a much smaller scale than other breeds; he is never tailless.
Aside from this, the cat has no known genetic defects.
Weighing roughly fi ve to ten pounds, with the males tending to hit higher on the scale than females, the Japanese Bobtail is smaller than
EGYPTIAN MAU, EXOTIC, AND JAPANESE BOBTAILNOT YOUR ORDINARY FELINES
Sarah Tyler
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Michelle BellingerOwner of Mashiara Graphics
Designer for Pets in the City Magazine
I currently live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where I work out of my home offi ce as a graphic designer. When I’m not at my computer, I’m busy painting in my studio or exploring the beautiful outdoors.
Th e May cover displays a portrait of my orange tabby rescue cat, Mr. Bubbles, and was meant to portray the everlasting love that I have for him. He and his roommate, my brown tabby rescue cat, Biddy, have been with me for the past ten years, and it has truly been an amazing adventure.
I began doing freelance eight years ago, and it has since turned into a full-time business: Mashiara Graphics. Mashiara (mah-shee-AH-rah) means “beloved of heart,” which seems fi tting, since I have such a deep love for art and creativity. I enjoy every minute that I spend designing for Pets in the City Magazine, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds in the future issues!
Title: Lazy SundayMedium: Oil Paint
On the Cover
Breed All About It
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THE EXOTIC SHORTHAIR
the Egyptian Mau, but just as active. You might even fi nd them playing similar games, as the Japanese Bobtail prefers a good game of fetch or water bowl diving over relaxing in a lap or taking a “cat nap.” Th is loyal companion makes a great family addition, does well with children and other pets, is easy to groom, and has very few health problems.
Th e Japanese Bobtail has a long and regal history, beginning in seventeenth century Japan, when a royal decree forced the release of all domesticated cats into the streets to hunt down the rodents responsible for killing the silk worm population. Since then, the Japanese Bobtail has become a source of good luck and an inspiration in the Japanese culture. Inspired by the breed, the “beckoning cat” has become a symbol of prosperity and good luck and this waving fi gurine adorns many shop counters. Likewise, Hello Kitty took its cues from the adorable features of the Japanese Bobtail and has become a household name.
The Exotic, or “the Exotic Shorthair” as it is oft en called, breaks the mold and stands out among the exotic breeds for both his personality and his physical features. Unlike the Egyptian Mau or the Japanese Bobtail, the Exotic enjoys relaxing and cuddling. While more active than the Persians with which he shares direct lineage, he is still an extremely easy going and placid cat.
However, upon seeing his build, you might think diff erently. Weighing between six and ten pounds
for females and up to fourteen pounds for males, his muscular torso and short fur make him look like a shorthair Persian on steroids. Th e Exotic’s short, thick neck furthers the charade while sharing the smashed-in nose that is classic to both the Persian’s and Exotic’s appearance.
Th e round face come in two varieties: standard and extreme, but both feature fat cheeks. Th e extreme variation presents with a much more severe version of the smashed face and requires daily cleaning of the facial wrinkles. Exotics with the extreme facial features also have more health problems and have a harder time breathing.
Exotics are bred to refl ect the Persian standard in every way except for the coat. Th e Persian has long, fl uff y fur that easily mats and tangles, while the Exotic has a short, fl uff y coat that creates a very round silhouette and gives him the illusion of impersonating a teddy bear.
Th e Exotic was recognized as a breed in 1967, descending from Persian and American Shorthair lineage. Early breeding oft en used other shorthair breeds to achieve the short hair appearance. Th is loyal and aff ectionate breed makes a great family pet, just like most other exotic breeds. Check out your local rescue organization today to take home one of these beautiful cats.
EGYPTIAN MAU, EXOTIC, AND JAPANESE BOBTAILNOT YOUR ORDINARY FELINES Continued...
Breed All About It
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More and more people are making the decision to keep their cat as an indoor-only pet for potential health benefits, including reduced risk for traumatic injury, infectious disease, and parasites. If you have decided to have an indoor-only cat, you can use many helpful strategies to keep your cat happy and free from boredom.
A cat roaming free outdoors lives an unpredictable life full of new mystery and excitement daily. Many owners worry that they can’t provide the same stimulation to their feline friends and that their cats may become destructive or start to urinate inappropriately, if they become bored. Outdoors, cats hunt for food, hide from predators (often by climbing), and defend and mark their home territories. Indoors, these same behaviors are undesirable. Climbing furniture and curtains, marking outside of their litter boxes, or sometimes exhibiting hostile behavior, such as biting and scratching, make for unhappy owners. These few strategies help deter unwanted behavior and keep your cat friend happy.
Enriching Indoor EnvironmentsClimbing and exploring is an important part of a cat’s life. Cats often seek elevated perches as a way to both seek out entertainment and to escape trouble. On a high perch, cats feel safe from people, loud noises, and other animals. A high location for a cat to hide in, such as a climbing tower, cat tree, or closet shelf is essential to the mental well-being of an indoor cat.
Window shelves or boxes can be an ideal stimulation for indoor cats who are entertained by seeing birds and squirrels and are also happy to find another high seat in the house.
Cat Scratching Cats MUST SCRATCH, a normal and an important feline behavior. They scratch to express their excitement and pleasure and to leave messages from the scent markers in their paws. Scratching in the wrong places can actually be “fun” for cats because of the big reaction they get from their people, which they may actually find stimulating and rewarding.
Cat scratching posts that are vertical and tall enough so a cat can stand on his hind limbs and really stretch out (without the post falling over) is best. The best material to use for a scratching post depends on the individual cat,
but, in general, cats really like materials they can get their claws into (which is why they like your couch so much). In general, sisal material appears to be the most popular for cats. To deter a cat from scratching at your couch, you can use double-sided tape or drape carpet runners or car mats (nubby side up) over them.
ToysCats are happiest when they are allowed to be cats. They do best with lots of opportunities to hunt, pounce, and seek out their prey (or toys).
Toys are used to mock hunting and prey situations and, for this reason, can be as simple as a cardboard box. It’s important to constantly change the location or dynamic of the box, so it creates a new experience daily. Try moving the box to a new room every day, turning it over, placing something heavy on top, and then poking holes in it and leaving some food in it, so they have to reach in to get it. This creates some fun problem solving with a reward. You can also place a ball or favorite toy or some catnip in the box for your cat to reach in and play with.
There are, of course, a lot of toys available at your local pet store. When shopping for new toys, make sure you get a wide variety of toys with different textures (feathers, fake mice, harder chews, spongy textures) and then change them out frequently at home to keep them interesting.
You can also make some cheap, at-home toys. The internet has a wide variety of ideas for you to use. For example, a ping pong ball dropped into an empty tissue box can provide for hours of fun.
Some cats will also watch TV, and there are many DVDs available of birds, reptiles, and fish that are made just for cats.
Outdoor Experiences Many people have trained their cats to walk on a leash. This can be fun and adventurous for some cats, but do not push it. If your cat does not seem interested, it can make them more fearful if you force them outside on a leash.
For leash-averse kitties, special cat fencing is available which makes it difficult for your cat to climb out of the yard. Be careful with this option, as wildlife and other cats sometimes may still be able to get into your yard and fight with your cat. Supervision of your cat when outside is always a good idea.
The choice to move a cat indoors can reap many benefits for you and your cat’s life. With some small effort on your part, you can make your cat’s indoor life a long and enriched one.
Dr. Heather McIlvenna, an associate veterinarian at University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center, specializes in geriatric care and pain management, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and behavior. A native of Hawaii, she is an avid canyoneer and rock climber. She loves gardening and hiking and snowshoeing with her dog, Marigold.
Heather McIlvenna, DVM
EXPERT ADVICE
Keeping IndoorCats Happy
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Utah FACES (Friends for Animal Care and Effective Solutions) is a volunteer organization that assists Salt Lake County Animal Services through its mission to eliminate euthanasia. Toward this end, the volunteers work to promote adoption, provide vaccinations to pets of low-income owners, reunite lost pets with their owners, provide education for responsible pet ownership, raise funds for shelter equipment and programs, and develop community partnerships.
Th ese eff orts require creative measures, and Utah FACES volunteers heartily embrace the challenges, oft en with a measure of humor. Take for example the playfully named “Spaygetti and No Balls” fundraising event scheduled for this fall. Th e Animal Services’ Pit Crew Program falls under their purview, and they actively work to promote better understanding of this misunderstood breed. Th eir Stand Up for Pits fundraiser featured comedian Rebecca Corey at Wise Guys Comedy Club and a kissing booth with her dog, Angel, to “save lives through laughter.”
Utah FACES oversees the Adopt-A-Kennel program, the Injured Animal Fund, vaccine/spay & neuter/microchip voucher programs, and corporate and community grants and partnerships. In 2014, one of the major initiatives that Utah FACES accomplished was the installation of the artifi cial turf and awning at one of the kennels at the shelter.
“We are encouraged to see the number of animals entering the Salt Lake County Animal Services decreasing over time, and we attribute this decline to the increased numbers of pets being spayed and neutered,” says Joan Gallegos, Utah FACES board chair. “Th e FACES spay and neuter voucher program is vital to this eff ort by off -setting the costs of these services to low income families.”
At Animal Services’ events, you can also fi nd Utah FACES volunteers. Th ey assist with adoption events, tables and booths, and clinics for spay and neuters, microchips, and vaccines. Behind the scenes, they help with marketing and communications, grooming, transportation, and grant writing.
As with any rescue organization, Utah FACES is always looking for volunteers. If interested, you can fi nd out more at UtahFaces.org.
Chanté McCoy
Utah FACES
RescueProfi le
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Th ere is such a thing as a literal cuteness overload.
It happens every spring, across the country, and most people don’t even know it occurs. It’s living, breathing proof that there truly can be way too much of a good thing. “Kitten season,” as it’s known in the animal welfare fi eld, sounds painfully adorable, but in fact it’s just plain painful for those on the front lines trying to deal with the fl ood of homeless and orphaned kittens who need help.
According to PetSmart Charities, an estimated 20 million kittens will be born this spring.
“Kitten season is, as the name implies, the time of year when unspayed female cats have most of their kittens,” said Dr. Frank McMillan, DVM, director of well-being studies for Best Friends Animal Society. “Th e reproductive cycle in the cat typically aligns with seasonal changes, and female cats will begin to come into heat — when they become receptive to mating with males — when daylight hours become longer.”
McMillan explained that, with the duration of pregnancy being approximately two months, kittens are born in large numbers around the beginning of summer, with large infl uxes of young kittens into shelters between May and July.
“Kitten season is the most vivid lesson as to why spaying and neutering pet animals is so important, and just what the consequences can be when this isn’t done,” McMillan said.
Best Friends staff closely watches the intake and outcome numbers for the Utah’s shelters, as our state is working toward becoming the nation’s second no-kill state by 2019.
In 2014, nearly 13,800 dogs and cats were killed in the Utah shelter
Temma Martin
CUTENESS OVERLOAD:KITTEN SEASON IS UPON US
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esystem out of a total population of nearly 61,000 animals. Cats and kittens represented more than 11,000 of these deaths.
Newborn kittens are among the most at-risk animals entering local shelters today. Municipal shelters do not have the staff , facilities, volunteers, and other resources required to off er the 24-hour care that orphaned kittens require. To help save these little lives, Best Friends Kitten Nursery opened last spring to provide a safe haven for these babies until they’re old enough to be adopted. Th e goal is to save 1,500 kittens in the nursery in the coming year.
Best Friends also helps cats though Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) of community cats, as well as providing free or discounted spay/neuter vouchers/services, which help to reduce the number of cats and kittens coming into shelters. Resources are available at utah.bestfriends.org.
Best Friends works with fi ve animal shelter agencies that are active TNR supporters in northern Utah and off ers a community cat voucher program
and trap trading posts to assist the public in performing TNR for their local community. In southern Utah, Best Friends supports TNR in nearly 50 communities.
Many ways help reduce the number of unwanted cats and kittens to work toward the goal to “Save Th em All”:
• Spay or neuter your pets and encourage your friends and family to do the same• Choose to adopt a cat or kitten from a shelter or rescue group• Reach out to local shelters or rescue groups to volunteer in a facility or kitten nursery • Sign up to foster mother cats and kittens, or other pets in need• Help support local eff orts to trap/neuter/return community cats
Temma Martin is a public relations specialist for Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters.
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system out of a total population of nearly 61,000 animals. Cats and kittens represented more than 11,000 of these deaths.
Newborn kittens are among the most at-risk animals entering local shelters today. Municipal shelters do not have the staff, facilities, volunteers, and other resources required to offer the 24-hour care that orphaned kittens require. To help save these little lives, Best Friends Kitten Nursery opened last spring to provide a safe haven for these babies until they’re old enough to be adopted. The goal is to save 1,500 kittens in the nursery in the coming year.
Best Friends also helps cats though Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) of community cats, as well as providing free or discounted spay/neuter vouchers/services, which help to reduce the number of cats and kittens coming into shelters. Resources are available at utah.bestfriends.org.
Best Friends works with five animal shelter agencies that are active TNR supporters in northern Utah and offers a community cat voucher program
and trap trading posts to assist the public in performing TNR for their local community. In southern Utah, Best Friends supports TNR in nearly 50 communities.
Many ways help reduce the number of unwanted cats and kittens to work toward the goal to “Save Them All”:
• Spay or neuter your pets and encourage your friends and family to do the same• Choose to adopt a cat or kitten from a shelter or rescue group• Reach out to local shelters or rescue groups to volunteer in a facility or kitten nursery • Sign up to foster mother cats and kittens, or other pets in need• Help support local efforts to trap/neuter/return community cats
Temma Martin is a public relations specialist for Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters.
We dogs love our people. We don’t care how they look, what income they have, what type of car they drive, or if their breath smells. We just love our moms and dads.
Behavior and Training. Help us overcome any behavioral issue that is driving you or your neighbors nuts. We don’t like to make our humans mad at us,
so, if we have a behavioral issue, help us to overcome it. Behavioral issues include not being housebroken, excessive barking, aggression, jumping up, and not listening.
If your little fur child doesn’t have any behavioral issues, maybe you can brush her up on her basic obedience skills. You can do this by hiring a dog trainer or fi nding information online or at your local library. Th e less we annoy you with our bad habits, the stronger your bond will be with us.
Medical and Nutrition. We dogs want to feel good and healthy just like you do. Are there any medical issues that need addressing, such as needing a dental, getting medicine for arthritis, or having cataracts or a lump checked? Maybe it is time for a visit to the veterinarian?
Make sure you are feeding us a high quality diet that does not have artifi cial preservatives, colors, fl avors, or chemicals. Junk food aff ects us like it does you.
Grooming. We may not like the process of having a bath or being groomed, but we sure do love it aft erwards! You can give your dog a bath or make an appointment with the groomers. If you plan on grooming your dog yourself, make sure to clean her ears and clip her toe nails.
Exercise/Dog Sport. Most dogs love to get out of the house and exercise! If you don’t do this with your furball already, think about adding this to your daily schedule. Dogs also love to do dog sports, such as agility and rally.
Inclusion. We dogs really love to be with our people. All we ask is that you feed us a high quality diet, keep us healthy, teach us how to be good citizens, and exercise us so we don’t have any pent-up energy. A well behaved dog is a dog that you can include more in your life.
StetsonTonya Landon
If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to [email protected].
Tonya Landon is a professional dog trainer with Diamonds in the Ruff. She rescued and trained Stetson, a small terrier with aggression issues, to be cast in the title role of the 2012 Stetson, Street Dog of Park City, a short fi lm adapted from the children’s book written by Jeanine Heil.
It’s close to Mother’s Day and my kids are four legged and have fur. What can I do to show I love them? - Kate
amosMale / 2 years old / Pit Bull Terrier & Pointer mixI love to cuddle, play fetch, and learn new things, even how to walk on the treadmill and run with roller bladers and bike riders! I can sit, lie down, and shake too. I would be an amazing agility dog! Come out and meet me at Salt Lake County Animal Services (511 West 3900 South, SLC).
princessaFemale / 2 years old / Red Tabby Domestic LonghairI’m a beautiful, regal cat who enjoys spending my days curled up on sunny window sills. I’m aff ectionate and enjoy being near people, though I may be shy at fi rst. Not a fan of dogs, but I have spent time around other cats. Call Furburbia at 435-649-5441 to learn more.
buddy iggyMale / 5-6 years old / Italian Greyhound mixAs my name suggests, I am a great buddy and want to be yours. I’m house trained and good with other dogs, cats, and kids. My previous owner worked too much to care for me, so I’m looking for a new home, one I hope is forever. For more information, go to www.hearts4paws.org.
coleMale / 8 years old / Poodle (miniature) I am a special needs dog with a heart murmur but do not require medication at this time. My blood work came back great, and I just had a dental. I am good with other dogs and ready for my forever home. Visit www.hearts4paws.org to learn more.
ceasarMale / 10 years old / Pit Bull Terrier & American Bulldog mixI’m a mellow guy who loves to be with people. I am house trained and like neighborhood walks. I know sit, down, beg, high fi ve, and maybe more! I am in foster right now. Please call 385-232-4063 to learn more and see how much fun I can be!
I’m looking for a new momMY!
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Rescue Me
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Maureen K. & GusTherapy Animals of UtahCompanion Golden Retriever Rescue
Velanie W. & CastaFriends of Animals Utah
Karen S., son, & NataliaHearts4Paws
Abbie S. & ZoeyHearts4Paws
Michelle N. & MerleCAWS
Diane L. & ChimeraRescue Rovers
Liz A. & Thurston Howell IIIRescue Rovers
Jen M. & Stevie the Wonder DogTherapy Animalsof Utah
Emily & HobbesBest Friends Animal Society
Photo Credit: Elaina ReNae Photography & Design
Photo Credit: Jenu Art
Chelsea W. & MaeCAWS
Sondra O. & Niyah; Christine H. & KatoSalt Lake County Animal Services
Susan H. & FinnFriends of Animals Utah
Colleen & BusterBest Friends Animal Society
Suckow Family & Hera Utah Animal Adoption Center
Traci E.& Winter
Salt LakeCountyAnimal
Services
Willa& Dexter
Best FriendsAnimal Society
Jennifer S. & OliverHearts4Paws
Photo Credit: tweeART Photography - Karen Squires
Love is the glue that binds all families, whatever shape they take.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.Stetson
If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to [email protected].
Mona Mistric
WHAT TO DO If You Find a “Stray” Cat • Craig’s List in both the “Pets” and the “Lost and Found” sections • Twitter and other social media sites
If you do all these things and no one comes forward, you can consider her future with you. Is she meant to be with you for life? Sometimes the best cats are the ones who fi nd you.
Giving some thought to whether you want to make that commitment is only fair to you and her. If you decide you’re destined to be together, you can prevent her from getting lost again by getting a pet tracking device in addition to a microchip.
What do you do if a stray cat follows you home, shows up in your backyard, or suddenly appears in your offi ce parking lot? Many people believe, if there isn’t a collar, you can safely keep the cat.
In actuality, if you fi nd a cat, you must satisfy certain state and/or local requirements fi rst. In Utah, there is a mandatory fi ve business-day holding period at a shelter, before a stray can be adopted out. During those fi ve days, it is important to try and reunite the stray with her original family. Th e cat is most likely someone’s indoor/outdoor companion and was just stopping by for a visit.
A stray that appears unkempt hasn’t necessarily been dumped or abandoned. She may just be lost and on her own for a while. Lost cats can travel long distances, either on their own, hitchhiking on a vehicle, or by being rescued and then lost again in a new location. She may be dirty, skinny, and have fl eas, even if she once lived in a wonderful home. Meanwhile, her family may be frantically looking for their beloved companion, and her condition is not their fault. Just imagine if she was your companion, and you were missing her every day and night.
The following steps will help locate her family:
1. Check with neighbors and local businesses in the area where you found her, in case her home is nearby.
2. Call in a “Found Report” to the local Animal Control and other shelters, in case her family contacts them.
3. Do an internet search to locate a no-kill animal shelter near you. Bring her there to see if she has a microchip or a tattoo on her ear for identifi cation. Th e shelter will care for her until her original family comes to pick her up or until the holding period is up and she can be adopted. (You can call daily to check on her.)
4. Place a free “Pet Found” ad in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News.
5. Take pictures and create a “FOUND CAT” fl yer and post it: • In the area you found her • At veterinary hospitals • At groomers • At pet supply stores • Foot traffi c areas, such as near schools, drug stores, gas stations, and grocery stores
6. Share her picture and shelter information by emailing local friends and posting on the internet: • Your Facebook page • Lost Pets pages on Facebook • Websites, such as www.petfi nder.com
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SAFETY FIRSTIS YOUR HOME SAFE FOR FURRY FRIENDS?Kim Justen
I like to think of myself as a responsible pet owner. I even thought I had a pet-safe environment going until the day I came home to no water. Cassie, apparently while cornering some prey under the well cover, managed to rip out two of the wires to the well pump.
That experience made me take a second look at everything, as well as extend a circle of invisible fencing around the well for my dog’s protection as well as my piece of mind. When you’re a life-long pet owner, it’s easy to get blasé about pet safety. Your previous cats never ate your knitting yarn, thus, without even thinking about it, you assume your new kitten won’t find it fascinating.
So let’s take a quick look around the house. Basically, the rule is simple: child-proof your house, but do it from the ceiling to the floor since so many indoor pets can get higher than the average two-year-old. Walk your house regularly, looking for unsanctioned chew toys and choking hazards, like buttons, pennies, batteries, and electrical cords.
Make sure you keep your clothes picked up. This sounds silly, but my father lost his favorite dog from what turned out to be a pair of my father’s underwear lodged in the dog’s intestines. To be fair to my father, this dog could open doors, so a clothing hamper was easy.
Do you buy six-packs of soda? We all know those plastic rings can hurt sea life, but it’s just as easy for a puppy or cat to get caught in one and choke as it tries to escape. If you weren’t already cutting those rings, do it now, and keep the recycling out of reach of your pets.
Luckily, the days of looped window blind cords are mostly behind us, but if you have old cords or long cords with plastic ends to chew on, make sure you keep them wrapped up and placed on the top of the blinds when the blinds are open and cords are at their longest.
We’ve all heard about poinsettias being poisonous to pets, but did you know dogs can’t eat grapes or raisins? Or that lilies are toxic to cats? The ASPCA has a thorough list of plants and whether or not they are dangerous to animals (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants).
My cats love plastic bags, but, just like with a toddler, I have to make sure they can’t get into them. When Rex goes for the grocery bag I’m unpacking, I quickly trade it out with a paper bag instead. Same annoying rattling, same fun, but much safer (although it’s taken away as soon as we get to the shredding stage).
When you begin to look, you can see trouble everywhere, from the extension cord under the couch, to the candles on the coffee table. But keeping your environment pet-safe is easy, and more importantly, will keep you and your pet together for years to come!
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My last article talked about the downside of owning parrots, but obvi-ously parrots must have good qualities or they wouldn’t be such popular pets. I have had parrots for pets for over 20 years, and I enjoy their many wonderful qualities as companions.
PARROTS TALK
Everyone knows that many parrots can talk. However, not many recognize that parrots talk in proper context.
My mother used to think I was exaggerating until she walked into my kitchen one day and heard my Cockatoo, Curly, repeatedly saying “Briseïs, get back on your cage.” He repeated this insistently, so my mother investi-gated and discovered that my little Conure, Briseïs, was loose and walking the floor, in danger of getting stepped on. She never doubted that assertion again.
I frequently foster homeless birds, and Curly scolds them for coming into the house, telling them “Curly and Briseïs, Curly and Briseïs.” I interpret this to be his way of saying which parrots are rightfully in the house and letting the interlopers know they are unwelcome.
Once I entered Curly in a bird show. While the judges were looking the birds over, Curly kept looking at a judge and saying “I love you” to the amusement of everyone. Guess which bird won “Best Novice”? I have no idea if he would have won anyway, but telling the judge he loved him repeatedly didn’t hurt.
PARROTS ARE EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT
Parrots are much smarter than often believed, and many parrots speak in a knowing manner, as noted above. But it goes well beyond that. Parrots can count; learn colors and shapes; and exhibit intelligence in many other ways. They can even make up their own words.
Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s famous test subject, Alex the Grey Parrot, didn’t like the word “apple” and always called the red fruits “banerry” instead. Dr. Pep-perberg determined that “banerry” was a word blend, combining “banana” and “cherry,” that Alex used because an apple looked like a large cherry but had white flesh and tasted like banana.
My good friend, Pam Love, has a Grey Parrot that constantly talks to her intelligently, letting her know if anyone knocked on the door while she was out, predicting the weather, asking her what she is fixing him for dinner, making his own dinner suggestions, and much more.
Curly can tell when something is funny and laughs appropriately. He espe-cially enjoys watching David Letterman and laughs at his jokes. If someone picks up a phone on television, he starts saying “hello” repeatedly. Curly is girl crazy and, if the television shows a close-up of a woman, he will say “hi,” “hello,” and “I love you” over and over.
PARROTS ARE AFFECTIONATE
Parrots are flock animals, and they bond closely to their flocks for protec-tion. When you own a parrot, YOU are the flock, and your parrot wants to be with you all the time. When I watch TV with Curly, he constantly grooms me, talks to me, snuggles up against my neck and chin, bangs his sharp beak on my nose, and, in general, demands my attention. A well-behaved parrot will be as affectionate as a dog, with the added attraction of telling you how much he loves you on a regular basis.
PARROTS LIVE IN CAGES
Dogs and cats typically roam the house, getting into things, chewing up your shoes, and going potty on your carpet. You also need to let them out fre-quently. Most people keep their birds in cages, and that restricts the amount of mischief a parrot can get into when he is unsupervised.
*****
If you are prepared to meet a parrot’s demands for attention and be patient with his noise and messiness, a parrot is an excellent pet. But par-rots are not for everyone. A big parrot, living 50 years or more, requires a lifetime of dedication, which is more than many people are prepared to give. So, choose your pets wisely.
Chase Kimball, a local attorney and graduate of the U of U law school, acquired his first bird in 1994, and his parrot education began. Since then, he has been active in local parrot circles and was the first rescue director for the Wasatch Avian Education Society.
Chase Kimball
DO YOU WANT A PARROT FOR A PET? PART II: THE GOOD
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Taking in companion animals can add so much love, warmth, and entertainment to our lives.
When we stare into their adorable faces, we may not care about their expenses that can rack up. But between food, bedding, toys, treats, habitats and shelters, vet care, and more, caring for just one pet can quickly add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. Fortunately, caring for your companion animals doesn’t have to be a fi nancial burden. Follow these six money-saving tips to care for your pets without breaking the bank.
Adopt. Before you bring a new companion animal home, consider adoption over buying an animal. According to Best Friends Animal Society, buying a pet from a store or breeder can easily cost $500-$1000 more than the typical $25-$200 adoption fee from a rescue or shelter. Starting off on an expensive foot can be the beginning of costs stacking up. Plenty of adorable animals need good homes, so adopt before you shop.
Make your own toys & treats. Store-bought treats keep your pets’ tummies happy, and toys keep their minds active, but even purchasing the inexpensive ones can start to add up quickly. Try your hand at baking homemade
treats, which are oft en more nutritious and defi nitely less expensive. Making toys from supplies around the house can save you money as well. Search Pinterest for appetizing recipes and toy ideas for every kind of pet.
Clip coupons. Using coupons may save just pennies each time you use them, but those pennies can quickly add up to savings of hundreds of dollars over the course of a year! Before you head to the store to stock up on pet supplies, check out the websites of your favorite manufacturers, CouponCat.net, or Coupons.com to print coupons from your home computer.
Buy in bulk. You can save a lot long term off the cost of food and other pet supplies by shopping in bulk at big box stores,
such as Costco and Sam’s Club. It costs a little bit more up front, but you can save on those costs (and storage space!) by splitting the costs with a friend or family member.
Groom at home. Bathe and spruce up your pet at home to save on the cost of professional grooming. Use or make pet-friendly shampoo for bathing and get proper training before attempting to clip hair, nails, or feathers. Check out PetGroomer.com to invest in in-depth professional lessons, or check out videos from reputable groomers on YouTube.
Invest in preventative care. Spending a little time and money on preventative pet health care can save you a lot of money and worry long term. Avoid the long-term costs of obesity-related illness by exercising your pet regularly to help him stay at a healthy weight. Spay and neuter your pet early to avoid the cost of caring for off spring later. And paying $15 or less to stay up to date on vaccines can save hundreds
of dollars on medications, treatments, and even surgeries for disease and infections
later. If you do get in a crunch and have trouble paying for vet bills, check out CareCredit.com, a medical bill credit card that allows you to pay off the balance without any interest, if you
pay it off within 18 months.
Following these tips can help you keep your pet and bank account
happy and healthy. Have your own money-saving tips? Share
them on our Facebook page!
Jennafer Martin
BUDGET TIPS FOR PET PARENTS
6 Tips to Save MoneyOn Pet Care and Supplies
$ $ $
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Madame Tabu’sHoroscope
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Invite a little culture into your month! Attend a local celebration for Cinco de Mayo or Children’s Day on or around May 5.
Venus in Cancer makes your generous heart even bigger this month, so put it to use by volunteering your time to an organization that benefi ts animals.
Enjoy the sun’s warmth with your pet this month, but minimize your exposure to its ultraviolet rays by taking early morning and evening walks or seeking shade when you’re out and about.
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)
Check out pet-friendly destinations to plan your Memorial Day road trip with your pet. Plan plenty of pit stops to make the journey easier for you both!
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
Whether your kids are human, feathered, furry, scaly, or any combination therein, take time to celebrate your maternal nature with them on Mother’s Day this month (May 10).
Cancer (Jun 22 – July 22)
Don’t shy away from an invitation to a block party or neighborhood BBQ this month — it will give you and your pet a chance to get out and be social.
Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Mars in Gemini this month can bring on a bit of restless energy for you or your pet, so make sure to plan plenty of outings, walks, or runs to get the wiggles out.
Tone down your sometimes harsh approach in favor of kind words when giving family members — human and pets alike — feedback this month.
Take the “Be Kind to Animals” pledge during American Humane Society’s Be Kind to Animals Week May 4-10 to help spread the word about humane treatment of animals.
Take a break from your naturally focused agenda to literally stop and smell the fl owers at a local park or garden. Bring your animal companion for a fun break.
Madam Tabu’s horoscopes are translated through the humanpet psychic Jennafer Martin, www.PetInsightsbyJennafer.com.
FOR YOU AND YOUR PETSMAY 2015
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Prepare to exercise a bit more patience this month with your pet and other humans as Mercury turns retrograde on the 18th, making miscommunications more frequent.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Leverage your naturally patient nature to help break your pet of any bad habits this month. Remember: positive reinforcement goes a long way!
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saying. However, many theories abound.
1) Th e earliest printed usage is from 1881, in the U.S. paper Ballou’s Monthly Magazine, Volume 53. “Has the cat got your tongue, as the children say?” So, apparently, children used this colorful phrase amongst themselves.
2) Th e saying comes from the Middle East where, at one time, the cutting of tongues was a punishment for liars, as was cutting off arms a punishment for thieves. Th e severed tongues were then fed to cats, according to this morbid origins theory.
3) Another less-than-pleasant-to-contemplate theory goes back to British maritime history when sea-faring punishments could involve a “cat o’ nine tails,” a multi-tailed whip. A cat o’ nine tails was oft en just called a “cat.” According to this theory, a beating could paralyze a victim into silence.
4) Cats are normally shy and not inclined to talk much. Th is is my personal favorite.
Example“Don’t you have anything to say? Cat got your tongue?”
Hopefully, shyness is the cause for being quiet.
Animal Idioms: Cat Got Your Tongue?Chanté McCoy
Anyone ever ask you if the “cat has got your tongue?” Seems a
rather odd question, unless a cat is latched onto your mouth, and what are the odds of that?
English has a lot of strange sayings: idioms with fi gurative meaning, understood by common usage. If taken literally, they don’t make a lick of sense. “Cat got your tongue” is one such idiom that makes more sense when considering the possible origins.
Meaning?Th is is a snarky saying to someone who is inexplicably silent or reticent to talk and, therefore, annoying you. In other words, it is an invite to speak up on a matter and to share one’s deep thoughts.
OriginsNo cat theft appears to be the original source for this 28
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SPRING BOOKS TO GET YOU AND YOUR PET
Telesa Nicholes
Telesa Nicholes is a librarian with Salt Lake County Library Services. All books reviewed here are available for checkout through the library.
FAMILY FUN
Wasatch ReptileExpo
Spring is the perfect time of year to get outside and celebrate the beautiful weather. Here are a few book picks for this month that will get you and your pet moving.
This fun read-aloud with delightful illustrations reminds of all the reasons dogs like to get outside and strut their stuff.
PLEASE TAKE ME FOR A WALKSusan Gal
Picture Book: Ages 0 and up
“Mr. Putter & Tabby Walk the Dog” is a classic tale of dog walking gone awry. Mr. Putter and his pet cat, Tabby, are just trying to help Mrs. Teaberry, a neighbor who injures her foot and cannot walk her dog for a week. Instead of getting Zeke the dream dog, they get Zeke…the nightmare.
Looking for adventure? The “Copper” series of graphically illustrated adventures is powered by Copper’s curiosity and his talking dog, Fred.
MR. PUTTER & TABBYWALK THE DOGCynthia Rylant
Easy Chapter Book: Grades 1-4
COPPERKuzi Kibuishi
Graphic Novel: Grades 3-6
MOVING
Chatty Catty
Kids, Mark Your Calendars!
The Wasatch Reptile Expo is a super fun
event for the whole family.
See the ad on page 21 for more information.
At the Utah State Fair Park on 1000 West North Temple
Saturday, May 16, 10 am - 6 pmSunday, May 17, 10 am - 4 pm
See the ad on page 21 for more information.See the ad on page 21 for more information.
At the Utah State Fair Park on 1000 West North TempleAt the Utah State Fair Park on 1000 West North Temple
Saturday, May 16, 10 am - 6 pmSunday, May 17, 10 am - 4 pmSaturday, May 16, 10 am - 6 pmSunday, May 17, 10 am - 4 pm
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SPRING BOOKS TO GET YOU AND YOUR PET
Looking for adventure? The “Copper” series of graphically illustrated adventures is powered by Copper’s curiosity and his talking dog, Fred.
MOVING
YOUR PETS IN THE CITYPHOTOSDo you want to share a photo of your pet?Email your high-resolution photo & your pet’s name to [email protected].
Walter
Cosi
Piper
Tinkerbell
Jezebel
Tigger Sadie
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Chaco
Taco
Mr. Bean
Foxie
Bella
Kagamae
Tele
Brooklyn
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PHOTOS
