Sophie's World

A big M-E-O-W to you! Nice to see you again!

Based on her vet’s advice, we reduced Sophie’s diet. We didn’t go nuts, mind you. Just a bit. She went from one-third of a can of food twice a day to one-fourth. Her dry food intake stayed the same.

Oh, my goodness, you’d think we were starving her. This cat has become absolutely ravenous. One hour before feeding time, she is awake and asking for food. She is on an alarm system. No food until the alarm goes off. Period.

She’ll carry on for that last hour, being as obnoxious as she can. She’ll eat the spider webs off the broom. She will play with the wheels of my office chair.

When she does get fed, it’s like feeding time at the zoo. Munch! Munch! Smack! Smack! It actually grosses me out a bit. Then, she’ll have the audacity to hop up on the desk and belch right in front of me. Mommy’s little lady!

If I’m not on time with her dry food, she is on it, playing the obnoxious game. Then, it is time for her yummy. Heaven forbid, if I’m late.

It seems as if she has lost some weight, which is good. However, in place of my fat cat, I have a ravenous beast. I can’t wait until her body catches up with the changes in her diet.

Photo by patbain

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Sophie had her annual exam this week. It was time for distemper and rabies.

Our vet was great, giving Sophie lots of love while he conducted a thorough exam. I was expecting it, and we did get the fat cat talk. Sophie weighed in at 15.6 pounds. Dr. Bob wanted her to lose four pounds.

Sophie is a chartreux, a breed that is sometimes described as a potato with toothpick legs. The vet recommended Purina OM as a weight loss diet. I intend to pursue other avenues. I will not feed my cat a Purina product, much less one that is so contrary to feline biology. Cats eat meat, not fiber.

So, anyway, we’ve cut back on both her canned and dry food. We’re getting her moving some more with play and other activities. As the spring warms up, she’ll naturally be a bit more active with all the birds and wildlife.

We have a couple more options to try, because as Dr. Bob warned, we don’t want Sophie to become diabetic. I took his stern warning to heart. We’ll get rid of that potato body whatever it takes.

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As we all known, millions of cats and dogs are homeless. Some are fortunate enough to end up in rescue homes or in non-kill humane societies. Not all animals are so fortunate.

It behooves the responsible pet owner to spay their pet if they have no intention of breeding their animal. The risks are obvious if your pet is an outdoor animal. Even indoor pets are at risk. If the unthinkable happens and your pet bolts, the last thing you want is a litter of unplanned pets.

Today, the Humane Society reminds us to spay our pets. Yes, it is major abdominal surgery, but consider the alternative? As a pet owner, can you honestly feel no regrets about bringing unwanted pets into the world?

The humane societies of the country employ angels, true angels on Earth who take responsible for the care of unwanted pets. Please, don’t add to their burden Take your responsibility as a pet owner seriously and spay your pet.

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February is Pet Dental Health Month, a time to remind pet owners about the importance of good dental care.

Like people, dental health is important for your pet’s overall good health. Improving your pet’s dental health can be as easy as giving her a dental treat to break down bacteria in her mouth.

Of course, teeth cleaning that is more hands-on is better. Brushing your pet’s teeth or using an oral rinse are more effective. If you’re uncertain whether or not your pet will let you touch its mouth, try to get her used to your touch.

When she’s sleepy, trying playing with her lips and teeth. Teach her that she can trust you near her mouth. Pet toothpaste is often flavored with the things cats love like poultry. You may find your pet begging to have her teeth brushed!

All else aside, being able to handle your cat this way is another way that the two of you can bound. Your relationship becomes more special to you and your pet.

Give your pet the best possible care. That care begins at home.

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October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, an awareness campaign worthy of note. The statistics are shocking and numbing. Over 61% of dogs and 75% of cats in shelters are euthanized. That amounts to over 12 million dogs and cats each year.

Shelters are not to blame. Abandoned cats and dogs are a problem. Unfortunately, facilities, medical attention, and most importantly, homes, are just not available. The social nature of pets requires a caring relationship with an owner and a pet. A kenneled pet does not have that opportunity.

Shelter workers and volunteers are the angels of pet care. They take on the emotional burden of caring for animals that may not live. They are the ones rallying for support and dollars to give these abandoned animals some semblance of compassion. Most often the problems lies with the would-be owner.

Pet ownership is a responsibility. Being responsible for another creature’s life is no small task. It requires time, devotion, and yes, money, to be successful. It doesn’t matter whether the pet is spoil rotten, sleeping in bed with you, or if he is kept in a kennel outside until hunting season. Pet ownership requires participation.

This month, if a pet is in your future, consider an adopted pet. I took in an abandoned pet. My precious Sophie was an abandoned rural farm cat. She is the joy of my life, a very intelligent and loving pet. Not sure where to start looking? PetFinder lists pets in shelters and veterinary clinics across the country, all in need of a home. For all the benefits that pets provide, doesn’t it make sense to rescue an abandoned animal?

Photo by wsilver

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