Thursday, April 15, 2010
Letter from Vickie
Well, Spring (HAS FINALLY!) sprung and we can say fare
thee well to the cold months we endured for what seemed
like forever! 2009 ended with the coldest winter for most
countries around the world! Oh, and the beginning of 2010
wasn't better it seemed. But now we can enjoy the warmer
days, longer nights, blooming trees, shrubs and plants,
and for most of us, the end of the 2009-2010 show season!
Can you believe another show season is coming to an end
in the next few weeks? We don't want to spoil the fun
of wondering who will claim the top International or Regional
spots. But remember, you can find the
current standings online!
If you have an International or Regional winner, don't
forget that you can soon reserve your ad space and copy
of the
2009-2010 Yearbook! And you can order your custom shirt
through the
TICA Online Store any time!
Royal Canin is extending the end of their
Breeder Special to the end of April! Now, how's
that for a great way to begin the new show season (I can't
believe I'm saying 2010-2011!!!!)
Also, April honors cats in many ways...ushers in Spring
and perhaps potential hazards...or finds a new kitten or
cat in your household that needs a special name. You can
read more about all of this in the articles below.
Happy Spring,
Vickie Fisher
President
TICA
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April Honors Cat In Many Holidays
April ushers in Spring, and with Spring comes litters
of kittens, outdoor cats being more active, and people adopting
new cats. April also honors cats through two major holidays:
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month - it's so important
to know some of the major hazards of Spring (see related
article below) and also have a disaster plan in place because
Spring also means tornadoes, floods, and the beginning of
the hurricane season. Make sure you have a first aid kit
on hand for emergencies, and a disaster package prepared
with your cat's medicine, records, treats, food and
other information that you can quickly grab and get out
of danger's way.
Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month - The
ASPCA
has "hosted" this April event for many years now,
educating pet owners and the public about animal cruelty
and responsible pet ownership.
But wait; there are a few other "holidays"
during April:
Okay, so who can say that cat owners don't have a
sense of humor?
Happy April!
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Spring's Four Common Hazards to Cats (and Other
Animals)
Spring-time brings more pleasant weather, flowers and
blossoming trees. It also brings "Spring fever"
as cats want to go outside...or perhaps sample those beautiful
flowers and plants you've brought into the house!
No one likes to associate Spring with hazards, but as a
cat owner, it's always helpful to understand the four
most common hazards to your cats and other animals:
So Beautiful, but So Toxic ... Plants
While many of the plants that we commonly keep in our gardens
are beautiful to look at, these same plants can be poisonous
to your cats. Many of us bring in these cut flowers for
bouquets: Lilies are one the most common poisonous plants
found in bouquets and in gardens, but there are many other
types of plants that can be poisonous to our dogs and cats
as well. Rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese ewe, foxglove,
tulips, oleanders, castor beans, chrysanthemums and many
other types of plants can all be very toxic to unsuspecting
curious cats and other pets. If you have a vegetable garden,
make sure you don't have any of the plants from the
nightshade family where the cats can get to them (that includes
tomatoes and eggplants).
You Don't Need to Poison Your Yard...or Your Cats!
Every home owner wants the greenest yard in the neighborhood,
but if you use fertilizers and insecticides on your lawn
and/or garden/plants, you run the risk of exposing your
cat(s) and other pet(s) to toxic poisons. Even if they don't
go outside, you can bring it into the house on your shoes,
and then they pick it up on their paws. There are many organic
fertilizers, flea and other insecticide solutions, and yard
treatments that you can buy at your local garden shops.
Nematodes are one of the best solutions for fleas, fire
ants and mosquitoes (see below).
Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes...Oh My!
Spring is also the time of year when fleas, ticks, mosquitoes
and other parasites populations increase...and like to find
new homes on your cats and other pets. Not only are they
a nuisance, but they can carry disease. Cats also can get
heartworms from mosquitoes, so make sure you don't let
any water outside become stagnant. If it does, put vinegar
in the water to kill the larvae.
Diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain
Spotted Fever, and many others can be transmitted by ticks.
Fleas can transmit diseases such as tapeworms, cat scratch
fever (to people), and even bubonic plaque.
Nematodes can be sprayed on your yard to kill fleas, mosquito
larva and fire ants (another hazard if you live where their
mounds can quickly grow after rains). They are non-toxic
microscopic worms that eat the larvae and fleas/ants. Inside
the house, you can use cedar beds and also put down diatomaceous
earth to kill fleas. You can learn more about that online.
Can Cats Sneeze?! Ah...choo!
Just like people, cats can have allergies too! Not only
from fleas and other parasites, but from plants, and blooming
trees! They can start to scratch, lose hair, have runny
eyes, and oh yes, sneeze! If you have any questions, call
your vet.
Pet Insurance for Peace of Mind
Having pet insurance can help you have peace of mind in
case you do have an emergency and need to visit your vet.
Embrace Pet Insurance offers a range of solutions from
your kitten to your older cat. Don't wait for an emergency
to happen...get your cat or kitten insured today!
Always keep the Pet Poison Hotline handy - in case
you have questions.
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Win A TICA Computer Bag By Sharing Your Thoughts
We always want to improve how we communicate to our members
and non-members alike...and the only way we can do that
is by finding out what you would like to learn about TICA,
showing or breeding cats, and cats in general! Please take
a few minutes to complete this survey. All people who respond
will be eligible for a free TICA computer bag. A winner
will be notified on May 1, and featured in our May Newsletter.
Vote Here!
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Don't Forget to Order Your Yearbook
Another show season is almost over...and that means a
new Yearbook will soon be published! If your cat is a regional
or international winner, or you want to promote your cattery
don't' forget you can run advertisements in the
Yearbook. You can also submit photos of your winning cats
and kittens to the Yearbook.
Order your
2010 Yearbook
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