Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! We're ready to rhyme, which is easy to do thanks to Angel Sammy's Thoroughly Poetic challenge.

As always, our host shared a photo prompt to help guide our poetic endeavors. This week's prompt is this intriguing image here:

Some of the first things this image brought to my mind were the stories and shows I've seen related to the unfortunate crimes and other downsides of the California gold rush of the mid-1800s. Second, this photo prompt randomly reminded me of some old-school, old-fashioned doodles I created something like 3 years ago. So, I wrote a poem related to all of these things, of course tossing in some kitties and a pup, and I interspersed the aforementioned doodles throughout the poem. To be honest, this poem didn't turn out like I wanted it to, and I'm not its biggest fan, but here it is nonetheless.

Gold

The year was 1849,
And there was a new fad for which there was a long line.
It had a little something to do with panning for gold,
To find that stuff that could make you rich and bold.

Jethro's dog brought him the newspaper on one fine 1849 morn,
And with shock and awe even the canine's face was adorned.
Right there on the front page was news of the gold rush.
About it not a single person could remain hushed.

Jethro sighed and stared at the newspaper story.
It said that a person could pan for gold and be met with glory.
Jethro was hundreds of miles from where the gold could be found,
But eagerness seemed to be showing on even the face of his hound.

After much deliberation and even more hesitation,
Jethro packed up his covered wagon and prepared to head across the nation.
His home and belongings were humble, and he would admit that,
But he packed his most prized possession, those being his dog and cats.



After what felt like an eternity,
Jethro and his furry companions reached where the gold would be.
They set up a little place to stay,
And then Jethro went to the river with his gold-seeking tray.

Jethro learned that getting rich on gold was neither quick nor easy,
And the thought of it all soon truly started to make him feel queasy.
Folks stooped over the river and eagerly panned for gold,
Rarely looking up to offer even a single hi or hello.

Jethro witnessed more than one fellow find himself some loot,
But not a single soul would offer the finder a congratulations or a hoot.
He even heard that some of those folks had been robbed,
And that fact was enough to make Jethro want to sob.

One day, Jethro managed to find himself a small chunk of that gold,
But, lo and behold, that very night it was stolen by someone greedy and bold.
The next morning, Jethro found himself the nearest sheriff's office,
The entire way remaining nothing if not cautious.

The sheriff rather sadly told Jethro that there was little he could do,
And it was then and there that Jethro decided what he would be doing by noon.
That is, he would do nothing but pack up his covered wagon,
Something that made neither him nor his furry companions feel saddened.

They were all homesick, that was the truth,
And before the sun was even fully overhead, they were en route.
After what seemed like an eternity,
They arrived to their home county.

Perhaps speeding just a little, Jethro finally saw his little shack on the horizon,
And he could not help but to begin smiling.

His dog jumped out of the wagon and ran the rest of the way home.
The cats did the same, and towards their home they did lope.

As Jethro pulled in front of his humble home,
There was something he did immediately know.
Though he, his furry friends, and his house might be growing old,
This humble place was worth more than any gold.

***

Next, we're of course participating in Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful for her majestic whiskers.

Just look at those!

***

We're now going to share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing is still spending precious time with her sweet but sick kitty Sammy, and so the Fill-Ins will be hosted on just my blog this week. We continue to send many, many purrs, woofs, thoughts, and prayers to sweet Sammy.

The fill-in statements for tomorrow's challenge are below.

1. Time flies when _________.

2. _________ takes forever.

3. _________ is my earliest memory.

4. Is it weird that I _________?

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Tip of the Day

Today is the last day of National Pet Poison Prevention Month. Since Easter is just around the corner, we're going to give you a summary of what Easter items to keep away from your furbaby, so that they do not end up at the emergency clinic around this springtime holiday.

First, keep those Easter lilies away from your kitties and pups! There are a number of lily types that are toxic to furbabies, Easter lilies being one of the most dangerous. Any part of the Easter lily can be toxic, even the pollen. Lily toxicity can lead to any number of life-threatening side effects, one of them being acute kidney failure. As you surely already know or can guess, it is simply safest to keep any and all lilies out of the home, well out of reach of your kitty or pup.

Other Easter goodies to keep away from your furbaby include chocolate, which is also toxic, as you all certainly already know. Don't forget the danger that other candies can pose as well, such as the sugar-free sort containing toxic xylitol. If you are giving or receiving Easter baskets that contain candies such as these, keep them well hidden away, so that hungry or curious furbabies cannot help themselves to a toxic snack.

It is also worth it to noting the danger of Easter grass. This stringy grass-like material often used as a filler in Easter baskets can be dangerous if ingested by a kitty or pup. It can lead to emergencies such as intestinal blockage, perforation, or laceration. Try not to use any such materials in Easter baskets. If you receive a basket with this dangerous fake grass material, keep it well out of your furbaby's reach and dispose of it safely.

Staying Warm on Woof Woof Wednesday

It's technically spring now, but since Mother Nature didn't get that memo, pup Astrid's going to stay warm under a blanket for now.

Astrid hopes you're all staying warm and cozy, especially if spring also refuses to show up for you.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

In just two days, we'll be starting this year's April A to Z Challenge. For today, how about we share one of the doodles form last year's A to Z Challenge? Our theme for last year was Halfway to Halloween, or Halfoween, and in honor of pup Astrid, let's re-share this puppy mummy today.

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Tip of the Day

Today we have another precautionary safety tip for National Pet Poison Awareness Month. This simple tip is to be aware and cautious of where in your home you put anything that might contain potentially poisonous items. For example, if you keep medications, food, makeup, art supplies, or other similar items in your backpack, purse, briefcase, lunchbox, or other carrying container, be sure to keep this out of reach of your kitty or pup. When you come home after work or school, put your bag in a closed closet, or on a hook or shelf where your furbaby cannot reach. This will help keep them from sneaking into your bag and getting into any dangerous medications, snacks, or other similar items that you might have left in there.

In this same line of thought, always be cautious where you put your groceries when you come home from shopping. We might bring home any number of food items, cleaners, or other products that contain potentially poisonous ingredients. So, do not leave any such grocery bags or products unattended, but instead be sure to put all groceries and other potentially toxic items securely out of reach as quickly as possible. If need be, for safety's sake, you can block your kitty or pup out of the room that contains the groceries, at least while you're tucking them safely away. 

All in all, this is just yet another tip reminding you to always take any and all details into consideration when it comes to your furbaby's health and safety. We may see our purse or a bag of groceries as safe, but for your furbaby it might not be. So, as always, think ahead and take any necessary precautions, no matter how big or how small, to keep that kitty or pup of yours safe and sound.

Toesies and Tongue on Tonks Tuesday

Tonks has a lot to share with you all today.

Aren't those the cutest little toe beans? It doesn't stop there, though.

Just look at that tongue!

Tonks hopes her toesies and tongue helped your Tuesday be a good one. Have a fantastic day, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle is from last year's April A to Z Challenge, and it also tangentially relates to what my theme is for this year's A to Z Challenge.

I mentioned somewhat recently that I was tossing around a couple of ideas on what to do for this year's April A to Z Challenge. The idea I was weighing the most heavily, and the one I ended up choosing, relates to the stories I'm writing.

As I've mentioned multiple times, I enjoy writing. More so, a short story that I was writing a couple years ago ended up turning into me writing a full book, which then turned into me writing an entire series of books. I'm still working on these books, and I would really like to start publishing them this year, largely just for the sheer fun of it. That, and publishing at least one book is nearly at the top of my bucket list.

That all said, I've been wanting to create some more illustrations for my stories. Well, what I doodle up might be more so concept art than true illustrations, but maybe that's the same difference. I wasn't sure anyone would really be interested in doodles like this, but I'm going to try making them as interesting as possible. So, the A to Z doodles I'll be sharing starting this Friday will be related to the weird, wacky, and downright kooky books I'm scribbling up. Hopefully you all can tolerate an entire month of that. My apologies if this sounds like pure torture.

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Tip of the Day

We're of course here today with another National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip. It's time to give a reminder of the dirty details of keeping your kitty or pup safe. What we mean is, don't forget to keep your garbage can, recycling bin, dirty dishwasher, compost, and other similar areas safe against curious furbabies. Garbage cans or recycling bins, for example, might contain empty containers for potentially poisonous substances, such as detergents. The garbage can, dishwasher, or even compost might also contain the remnants of food that is toxic to a cat or dog. When it comes to the compost, or perhaps even the garbage can, moldy foods especially might be found within, and moldy food can contain mycotoxins, which are indeed toxic to our furbabies.

All in all, what we're trying to say is to never forget all of the details, no matter how dirty, for ensuring that your kitty or pup is free from any form of poisoning or other injury. Use garbage cans that are securely lidded or pet-proof in another way. You could even hide your garbage can in a cabinet, drawer, or room to which your furbaby cannot gain access. Also ensure that your dirty dishwasher remains securely closed, and that any compost you have is kept somewhere that your furbaby cannot reach. Even if a precaution seems like overkill, it's probably not. After all, when it comes to the health and safety of your furbaby, it is of course best to take no risks.

Mancat Monday

It's Mancat Monday, and handsome Evan is still a tired little guy.

I realized we never updated you on all the tests we mentioned Evan was having as a result of his recent intestinal issues. We're happy to say that every single test Evan had, including bloodwork and fecal tests, came back normal. That was a relief, though the vets and I are a bit stumped. I'm starting to just think that Evan's hind limb paralysis is in some way now affecting his intestines. We've ruled out a lot of various diseases as well as food issues, so it's a confusing situation. It wasn't until Evan was 6 years old or so that he started having urinary incontinence as a result of his partial paralysis, so it might just be that his intestines are now being affected. His intestinal issues seem to go in random cycles, at least for now, so perhaps this is just another side effect of his condition. We can live with that, especially considering that otherwise he's acting completely normal and happy, though we'll do any further tests that are necessary should things get worse or change in any concerning way.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is an add-on to our tip from yesterday, when we reminded you to keep doors closed and other obstacles in place to keep your furbaby safe from substances and areas with poison. Taking that one step further, if needed, child-proofing products can be your your best friend even for those furry children in your life. For example, do you have a curious kitty or puppy who has found ways to open cabinets and drawers? This can put a furbaby at risk, such as if those cabinets and drawers contain human medications, cleaners, or other toxic items, or even sharp or other dangerous objects. To prevent prying paws from opening cabinets and drawers, you can get child-proof, or pet-proof, locks that make cabinets and drawers difficult or impossible to open without dexterity, or opposable thumbs. There are also child-proof locks to keep main doors securely closed. This can come in handy if you have a kitty or pup who knows how to manipulate certain door handles.

We've mentioned this on here before, but also don't forget the usefulness of baby gates. They also make gates that are more specifically pet-proof, such as tall ones over which dogs and cats cannot easily jump. These can be used to block access to certain areas of the house to ensure your kitty or pup's safety. For example, you can use baby or pet gates to block access to the kitchen, especially if potentially toxic foods are being prepared. These gates can also be used to block off garbage cans, laundry areas, or other areas of the home where potential poisoning might occur.

Just as with a human child, our kitties and pups can get themselves into trouble. Consider all areas of the home where danger might arise, and then do your research on what you can do to best prevent emergencies from dangers such as accidental poisoning. Do your best to always be one step ahead of your kitty or pup, as difficult as that may be.

Sleepy Sunday Selfie

Hello, friends! After some typical 21st century technical difficulties, we're finally here with a late Sunday selfie.

Evan apologizes for not waking up for his selfie. He's just too tired. Luckily, though, he's adorable when he's sleeping, so we're certain you're all happy to see this selfie nonetheless.

Happy Sunday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

In these last couple days of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're going to summarize some tips on how to help keep your furbaby safe from potential poisons. First, as obvious as it is, we're here today to remind you to use doors or other obstacles to properly block your kitty or pup's access to potentially dangerous products or areas of the house. For example, if your bathroom, laundry room, or utility closet contain dangerous chemicals, such as detergents, then keep their doors securely closed to bar your furbaby's entrance. Similarly, keep the door to your garage shut, in order to keep your furbaby away from gasoline, antifreeze, and other dangers that might be found in the garage. If you have a shed and your furbaby goes outdoors, keep the shed's door securely closed, especially if it houses fertilizers, pesticides, or other potentially toxic products. And don't forget to consider your garden, where toxic plants might grow, or where dangerous chemicals might be used. In such cases, monitor your furbaby while outdoors, and block your kitty or pup's access to the garden, such as with a secure fence. In short, consider all areas of the house and yard where poisoning or danger might arise, and ensure proper safety against said dangers.

Kooky Flashback Caturday Art

As I try to use today to get ahead on my doodles for this year's April A to Z Challenge, how about we reshare the first doodle from last year's A to Z Challenge? Our theme was perfectly weird and kooky last year. Does anyone remember what we did? We focused on April being halfway to October, or halfway to Halloween, also known as Halfoween.

Happy Caturday, friends!

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip was about being cautious of the potentially poisonous bites of certain snakes and spiders. In a similar yet also different tip, we are today talking about those critters who contain substances that could be toxic if ingested by our furbabies. For example, there are certain toads that contain substances on their body that can lead to severe toxicity. Two of the most poisonous toads are the Colorado River toad and the marine toad. A pup or kitty making oral contact with these toads can lead to nearly immediate side effects such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficult breathing, difficulty walking, and potentially death if left untreated.

Other critters that can poison a dog or cat if ingested include a butterfly or caterpillar that has eaten milkweed, which can be incredibly toxic to our furbabies. In addition to this, there are some caterpillars with hairs or other means capable of injecting venomous toxins, which can spell out trouble if a cat or dog puts the caterpillar in their mouth. Monarch caterpillars and a variety of moth caterpillars are some of those known to have the ability to inject toxins when threatened.

Even fireflies can have poisonous effects on a cat or pup if ingested. Though their less-than-ideal taste is likely to keep a pup or kitty away, if ingested, they can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal distress. For all of these reasons, especially if you are unsure of a critter's potential effects on your furbaby, simply do all that you can to prevent your kitty or pup's contact with or ingestion of bugs and other critters. As we mentioned yesterday, do your best to be aware of the types of critters in the area, and which ones can pose a risk to your pup or kitty. And, if your furbaby does come into contact with or ingest any bug of which you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Photo Fails

Hello and happy Friday, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd be more than happy for you to join us! Before we begin, though, we're sending continued purrs, woofs, and prayers to my Fill-Ins co-host Ellen and her sweet yet sick kitty Sammy.

We've been thinking about you, Ellen and Sammy, and we're sending you hugs.

My co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. I have never been able to _________.

2. I _________ competition.

3. I _________ when spring has sprung.

4. I would like everyone to know _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. I have never been able to imagine my life without furry friends.

(Since I was a young child, as in for most of my memorable years, I have shared my life with cats and/or dogs, and I've loved every second of it. I can't imagine any sort of future in which I don't have that sort of companionship with cats and dogs. I could go on and on about this, but let's suffice it to say that I can't live without my furry friends.)

2. I loathe competition.

(Deep down, I'm competitive by nature. That said, I don't enjoy competition, I think largely because it stresses me out. That's why I never played any sports or anything of that sort in school. I prefer to do things for the fun of it, otherwise the activity in question just feels too overwhelming. Also, I'm admittedly a control freak and not the best with teamwork, so group competition has never been for me.)

3. I sneeze up a storm when spring has sprung.

(Hello, allergens. It's unfortunate to see you again.)

4. I would like everyone to know that you should always be yourself.

(Ever since I was a kid, I've always felt frustrated when I see people trying to force themselves into whatever mold society has manufactured as the most desirable at that time. I couldn't stand seeing my peers doing this in school, and I had no idea I'd see so many adults do it when I grew up. If someone pursues something because they genuinely enjoy it, great, and good for them. But, sometimes I feel like I'm just witnessing people trying to meet some standard rather than pursue what they enjoy, and that's just sad. This is why one of of my favorite quotes is Oscar Wilde's, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." Now, if you'd like to hear me go on a brief tangent, the only thing wrong with that quote is the semicolon. Grammatically speaking, it's correct. Personally speaking, I just really hate the use of semicolons, but I majorly digress.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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And now it's time for the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop, hosted by none other than Melissa and Mudpie of Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows.

Our resident blooper queen Eddy kicked off her outtakes by first turning her attention to the window rather than the camera.

And then, of course, Eddy had to do a little dance with the window. Because obviously.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

As part of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're now talking about the risk of poisonous bites your kitty or pup might receive from other critters. Depending on where you live, or where you might be visiting with your furbaby, you might find it necessary to be on the lookout for critters such as snakes and spiders whose bites can have toxic effects. When it comes to snakes, some of the dangerous ones include certain coral snakes and rattlesnakes. As for spiders, as most of you certainly know, black widows and brown recluses are among the most dangerous. Bites from such critters can result in any number of dangerous or life-threatening side effects, including cardiovascular shock, respiratory distress, neurological damage, and tissue damage, among others.

When outdoors, especially in areas where snakes, spiders, or other venomous critters are a known possibility, always monitor your furbaby and keep an eye out for danger. As needed, research the wildlife of areas you will be, so that you know what snakes, spiders, and other critters of which to be cautious. Of course, if your kitty or pup is bitten by a spider or snake, especially a known venomous one, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care. In many such cases, counteracting the venom in a timely manner is crucial.

Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

Happy Thursday! We're going to get right to Angel Sammy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge.

As always, our poetic host shared a photo prompt to help guide us. This week's prompt is this cute image here:

That there photo brought one particular idea to my mind, and I couldn't stop thinking about. That idea will probably seem way off base from the photo, but I went with it anyway. Basically, my poem was mainly sparked by the scooter in that there image. There isn't even a little girl in my poem.. What's more, my orange boy Evan is actually the one who wrote my poem. I'm sure none of this makes sense, but if you read the poem, you'll eventually see how it tangentially relates to the photo prompt above. Well, you'll at least see how it relates to the word scooter.

My Name Is Evan

My name is Evan.
I am two years older than seven.
I am furry and orange and have whiskers,
And I also have malfunctioning back kickers.

I'm something you might call partially paralyzed,
But my front legs work, as do my ears and eyes.
I've been the way that I am since I was a kitten,
And since she met tiny me, my humanoid mom has been quite smitten.

I may need a stool or a lift to get on the furniture,
But you better believe I get up there and bestow it with my fur.
And you also better believe I can run faster than fast,
Especially when my mom wants to trim my nails and so I zoom and dash.

I may do things a little bit differently,
But I also do them in a manner quite brilliantly.
I've learned to make do with what I have,
And my mom says that makes me one cool cat.

But can you guess some of the crazy things we've been told?
Like when a co-worker once told my mom that surely I have no quality of life, no?
Don't worry, because my mom told this fellow that he was perfectly wrong,
And he now knows that unlike many humans, I'm the perfect mixture of sweet and strong.

But can you guess the most common thing people say about me?
They usually say it when they watch me and can't believe what they see.
They'll gawk as I pull my little back legs behind me in the way that I do,
And they'll ask my mom, "Did you consider naming him Scooter? Huh? Did you?"

Indeed, countless acquaintances and strangers have put in their vote.
Scooter should have been my name, that's what they always note.
Can you imagine me being named something like Scooter?
In truth, I'd rather be named Tooter.

My name is Evan.
Now, let me give you a lesson.
At its roots, Evan means young warrior,
Something which my mom says I am for sure.

I may not look or move as you would expect,
But you better believe I'm still perfect.
I'm a momma's boy with a huge appetite and a roar that deafens,
And you better believe that my name is Evan.

***

Now, we're of course ready for Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

As always, Thimble is here to share some gratitude.

Thimble is grateful that she was able to steal Evan's favorite Barney the Dinosaur blanket from him. She's also thankful that she yet again blocked her mom's attempts at properly making the bed. And Thimble did all that while looking this adorable.

***

Before we share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins, I first wanted to again say that we're sending purrs, woofs, thoughts, and prayers to my Fill-Ins co-host Ellen and her sweet kitty Sammy, who is battling health issues.

Everyone is more than welcome to join in tomorrow for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. I have never been able to _________.

2. I _________ competition.

3. I _________ when spring has sprung.

4. I would like everyone to know _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is about the toxic gas known as carbon monoxide (CO). CO is not only dangerous to us humans, but also incredibly dangerous to our kitties, pups, and other animals. CO most often results from car exhaust, fire/smoke, and when generator systems fail. When a large amount of CO is inhaled, this can lead to cells in the body becoming deprived of oxygen. CO poisoning can thereby result in life-threatening effects on the cardiovascular system, neurological system, and other important systems of the body.

Needless to say, do all that you can to prevent both your furbaby's and your own exposure to CO. Set up CO monitors in your home, and ensure that they are always properly functioning. Of course also ensure that you have functioning fire and smoke alarms. There are all-in-one alarms on the market that detect fire, smoke, and CO. In addition to this, properly maintain any generators that you have, and do not use them if they are in any way malfunctioning. Also, of course, do not let your kitty or pup into a closed, unventilated garage where a car or other motor vehicle is running. CO can be a silent killer, so do all that you can to protect your furbaby, as well as yourself, from it and its deadly effects.

Woof Woof Wednesday

To begin today's post, we want to send our purrs, woofs, thoughts, and prayers to Sammy of 15andmeowing, who is fighting some major health concerns.

Well wishes and hugs to you, Sammy!

***

Astrid's sorry if she's a bit distracted today. She's enjoying the sun so much that she just can't focus on the silly camera.

Astrid and all of us here wish you a sunny day!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We're nearing the end of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, but we still have a couple more such tips to share with you all. Today's tip is about those pots and pans in your kitchen. Primarily, be cautious when using nonstick pans, such as those with Teflon, as heating these to high temperatures can lead to poisonous fumes for some pets. As many of you likely already know, this is primarily a concern when it comes to pet birds. Still, to be on the safe side, be careful when heating such pots and pans around any pets, especially those that are small. For that matter, also be careful with other similar kitchen items, such as aerosol cooking sprays and self-cleaning ovens, as it is not impossible for fumes from these to also pose dangers. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and simply do not use it.

To-Go Tonks Tuesday

Would you like a Tonks to-go? Yes? Let's get that bagged up for you.

Those are actually flashbacks from a couple of years ago. Tonks is the primary reason why, if any paper bags are left lying around at our house, handles have to be torn off or cut. Otherwise, she'll get her little calico head stuck in said handle and run around the house in a frenzy.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We've been sharing so many flashback doodles lately, which I'm not terribly happy about. I have a couple of springtime doodles partially finished that I'd love to share this month, but that's only if I can manage to get them done. The primary reason I haven't been finishing many new doodles lately is that, in addition to my full-time job being as hectic as ever, I'm also trying to plan out and get at least a small head start on our nearly daily doodles for the April A to Z Challenge. Speaking of which, does anyone remember back to a couple years ago when our April A to Z theme revolved around Rosie's Restaurant?

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is yet another one regarding random yet potentially toxic items that might be found in the the home. Today's household item to be aware of is matches. Matches can contain potentially toxic substances, such as potassium nitrate. It is also possible for matches to contain heavy metals or other dangerous components. Ingestion of matches can lead to toxicity for your furbaby, with the effects depending on the quantity ingested. Poisoning from the ingestion of matches can result in symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Consuming items such as matches can also lead to a variety of other problems, such as perforation or obstruction of the bowel. Needless to say, to prevent any such issues, of course keep matches and all dangerous items well out of reach of your kitty or pup.

In this same line of thought, also keep items such as lighters and lighter fluids hidden away. These can also contain components that are potentially toxic to kitties and pups. And what do we always say? It's better to be safe than sorry!

Mancat Monday

It's Monday, and Evan's already had a tiring week.

We're waiting on Evan's GI panel results to see if that gives an indication as to why his intestines are not all that happy these days. Hopefully I'll get a call from the vet today, and hopefully it will point to a simple solution. Luckily, except for the occasional intestinal upset here and there, Evan is acting completely normal.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

One of our previous National Pet Poison Awareness Month tips was on the dangers of medications indeed formulated for our furbabies. We meant to (yet failed to) expand on a particular topic in this regard. That topic is as that of topical preventatives. First and foremost, always ensure that you are giving preventatives specifically formulated for the species at hand. Just one reason for this is that some flea and tick preventatives formulated for dogs are toxic to cats. Many such canine preventatives contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid, to which cats are highly sensitive. Pyrethrin/pyrethroid poisoning can result in excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty walking, or seizures, just to name a few. So, never apply dog preventatives on your kitty.

Also, be careful if your cat lives in a household with a dog who receives preventatives. In such a case, try to look for canine preventatives that do not contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid, or keep the dog and cat separated for a safe amount of time after application. Ask your veterinarian for information on how to keep both your kitty and pup healthy and safe, yet also protected from pests. It's also worth noting that some other forms of flea, tick, or other pest preventatives, such as sprays, may contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid. Always check the label, and only use products that you are certain will not harm your kitties or pups. Again, ask your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns regarding a product's safety.

In addition, know your cat or dog's weight and select preventatives accordingly. Administering a medication intended for a cat or dog larger than yours could have negative effects for the furbaby. Also be aware of their age, as some kittens or puppies, for example, may not yet be of an age deemed safe for the application of some preventatives. What's more, also always take into consideration your furbaby's overall health status. If your cat or dog suffers from any ailments, always discuss with your veterinarian the safety of giving a preventative, or any medication. While we of course want to keep our furry family members safe from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and all sorts of infestations, it is important that we do so safely.

Side-Eye Sunday Selfie

In her selfie for today, Tonks is giving quite a side-eye.

That side-eye is probably aimed at this here mom of hers, since I'm the one who woke her up from a nap to snap this selfie. Even so, it is pretty darn cute, isn't it?

Happy Sunday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is one that relates to our previous tips on pesticides, but is also one upon which we failed to expand. The type of pesticide of which we speak today is none other than mothballs. Mothballs come in a variety of forms, and typically release gas vapors intended to repel or kill moths, or other pests. When it comes to our furbabies, mothballs can cause toxicity via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Dogs are perhaps the most likely to ingest mothballs, but cats are more sensitive to their effects. Old-fashioned mothballs are the most dangerous, as they contain naphthalene. More modern mothballs are typically formulated to be less dangerous to kitties, pups, and ourselves, but they can still pose risks. Mothball poisoning can result in vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or even failure of organs such as the liver or kidneys.

Needless to say, it is likely best to avoid the use of mothballs altogether. There are alternatives to ridding your clothes or areas of the home of moths. Some of these methods may require more laborious cleaning and may indeed be more time-consuming than simply tossing in a mothball, but the health of your furbaby is well worth the effort.

Caturday Art

Look at me forgetting to schedule a post for today. Well, here's a flashback springtime doodle for today, even though it's something like 30°F outside over here in our corner of the world.

Happy Caturday!

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Tip of the Day

After yesterday's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip on paint products, we wanted to also give a PSA on the dangers of certain glues. If we're to be honest, the primary danger of glue isn't necessarily poisonous effects. Nevertheless, we still want to warn of the life-threatening hazards of glue. Some glues, such as glues for wood or construction, as well as heavy-duty glues such as Gorilla Glue, can lead to severe side effects. Ingestion of these glues can cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and decreased appetite. What's more, though, is that these types of glues can contain diisocyanates, which can mix with stomach acid and then expand. This can then lead to bowel obstruction. Bowel obstruction is nothing to take lightly, and often requires surgery. Needless to say, if your kitty or pup gets into glue, especially heavy-duty glue that contains diisocyanates, seek veterinary care immediately. Of course, to prevent such emergencies, take no risks and be sure to hide away any and all glues someplace where your furbaby cannot reach.