Thursday, October 29, 2015

Sometimes Cats Trap You


I don't think they set out thinking, "Hey, I'm going to trap you," but still they do. They have a way of positioning themselves in ways that completely impede our movement. The single-cat-in-a-lap trap is pretty common, but then there's the multiple-cat-maneuver, wherein they pin us from a few angles. Then, of course, how can we possibly disturb the trap? Who knows if a slight move would trigger the appearance of another cat -- mega trap!

They must learn all about this at cat school.



Friday, October 23, 2015

The Laundry Basket Cat Slope


Laundry baskets are cat magnets. Phoebe can spot a fresh one from across the house. Usually she finds a way to burrow inside the warm contents, but if she's unable to dig around in the pile, she stretches across the top. She's no quitter.

Exhibit A: The Cat Slope


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Pretzel Body: An Photographic Examination


So many things about this Phoebe photo.

Visible spotty paw pads = no-brainer cuteness overload.
Back leg-dangle = always wins.
Poof of white belly fur = beckoning, yet is an obvious trap.
One ear cocked, showing attentive annoyance = because cats.
Pretzel body = I need more yoga.


Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Giveaway: Tidy Cats Lightweight Litter Gives You More


We are a member of the Tidy Cats Insiders and are being compensated to help spread the word about innovations and updates about Tidy Cats. Catladyland only shares information we think would be of interest to our readers. The opinions are our own.

Cat litter! That's right -- today on Catladyland we're talking litter, and don't worry, we're not going to get heavy on you. Haha. But seriously, folks -- Tidy Cats Lightweight Litter is light on weight, but doesn't skimp on clumping power or odor absorption. I use this litter in all of my cats' litter boxes, and it's the bomb ... and not the stinky kind of bomb. Sorry!

I'll be here all week ... don't forget to tip your server.

Impressed with the litter, yes. My bad jokes, no.


It's true -- Tidy Cats Lightweight works like a charm in just the right ways, and it's also a dream to carry from the car to the house. I feel like such an athlete as I pull two jugs from my trunk. I'm pretty sure my neighbors are impressed.




The Tidy Cats Innovation Lab has been hard at work making sure their litter is the best value. They conducted a volume test comparing Tidy Cats Lightweight with three different brands of lightweight litter. You know what happened? Well, it turns out Tidy Cats Lightweight gives us at least 40% more litter than the other brands! Pretty exciting, isn't it? We're all looking for the best quality and value when shopping for litter, and Tidy Cats has already done the work for us.


Now it's your turn to give the litter a try. Catladyland and Tidy Cats are giving away five jugs of Tidy Cats Lightweight to five lucky winners (one jug per winner).
  • Winners must be U.S. residents.
  • Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.
  • Leave a comment letting us know which variety you'd like to try (24/7, Instant Action, or Glade Tough Odor Solutions).

Good luck!


Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Dangly Cat Legs and Best Friends


Phoebe and my teenage son are the best of friends. She loves hanging out in his room, and parks herself in spots where she can sleep, but also keep a watchful eye on him. You know, there's a pretty good chance he'll drop snacks on the floor. #truefriendship




















And then there's the bonus leg-dangle. I mean, c'mon! I want to be best friends with that leg. Ridiculous.


Friday, October 2, 2015

Fact: Cats Love the Neck Scritches


Nearly every morning, Phoebe races into my bedroom and demands a snuggle. That's right -- demands. You totally know what I mean, right? Well, one of her favorite snuggle moves is the chin scritch. Her eyes roll back in her head and she's immediately on the fast track to Purrville.

Plus, she looks adorable whilst receiving the scritches. Bonus!


Thursday, October 1, 2015

Learn About Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, and Win a Free Bag of Urinary Formula from Purina Pro Plan #Sponsored


Sometimes it's hard to know when cats don't feel well -- they can be masters at hiding pain. Their symptoms might even mimic a completely different health or behavior issue. Cats can be confusing!

One health concern that's sometimes difficult to recognize is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), which is a group of diseases that affect both the bladder and urethra in cats. Sometimes FLUTD is caused by urinary stones or crystals. It's way more common that you might imagine. In fact, my Saffy has struggled with this very situation on and off for several years.

Poor Saffy!


We thought our 14-year-old Saffy had litter box issues and showed signed of anxiety, which are warning signs for FLUTD, but can also indicate other situations. We knew something was off because she began consistently urinating on any clothing she'd find on the floor. We made sure the boxes were super clean and even tried a different type of litter, but nothing helped. We decided it was time for a vet visit. After discussing Saffy's symptoms and gathering information from an x-ray, we finally knew what was causing the inappropriate urination -- she had a few crystals in her bladder, which thankfully explained her behavior.

Here are some of FLUTD's risk factors:


Gender: Although both males and females experience urinary tract disorders, a male's longer and narrower urethra is more likely to be obstructed by crystals and mucus.

Breed: Persians seem to have a higher incidence of FLUTD, while there are less cases with Siamese cats.

Age: Cats ages 2-6 are most often affected by lower urinary tract disorders; however cats of any age can be susceptible.

Activity Level: Indoor cats, who are more sedentary than outdoor kitties, are at a higher risk for developing FLUTD. This may be because less activity leads to less water consumed, which leads to less urination and the formation of crystals.

Diet: Recent studies indicate urine pH and concentration are important factors in the development of FLUTD. Increased water intake is a vital component in reducing the risk of developing the disease.



Again, FLUTD can present as other types of health concerns. Here are the symptoms of which you need to be aware:

  • Frequent trips to the litter box
  • Cries when urinating
  • Urinates outside the litter box
  • Licks genital areas excessively
  • Strains to urinate, with little success
  • Displays signs of anxiety, such as pacing or hiding 



Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas promote increased water intake and encourages a urinary environment unfavorable to the development of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. The wet and dry formulas are commonly prescribed by veterinarians for the nutritional management of cats with, or are predisposed to, FLUTD.



You can also enter to win one of two coupons for a free bag of the same formula. Enter via the below widget. U.S. residents only. Two winners receive one coupon each which must be redeemed at a veterinary clinic. Giveaway ends 10/8/15, at 11:59 PM CDT.





This post is sponsored by Purina. Catladyland only shares information and products we feel are relevant to our readers. Purina is not responsible for the content of this post.

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