A Mancat Monday and Tonks Tuesday Mashup

Yesterday's post was dedicated to our birthday angels, Rosie and Sammy. So, on this Tuesday post, you'll get a Mancat Monday and Tonks Tuesday mashup. And that comes in the form of this less-than-award-winning shot here:

What you're looking at there is Tonks sleeping in Evan's favorite bed, which he got for his birthday this past April. Evan loves all beds, but if his birthday bed is clean and ready for use, he prefers it. Tonks didn't take any of his hints to get out of his bed, which is why he's looking a little less than restful in that other bed. Don't worry, though, because Tonks rarely sits still for long, so Evan got his beloved bed not long after this photo was snapped.

Also, that cat toy beneath the chair is from A Christmas Story. It's the wooden barrel that says "FRAGILE", in which the main character's father received his infamous leg lamp. Said leg lamp is also in this photo. Do you see it?

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Though it's not really autumn yet, unfortunately, I did indeed decorate my home for Halloween on my day off yesterday. So, how about something a little spooky—or at least a bit kooky—today?

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Tip of the Day

Since we've reached September, we're all excited for autumn and are therefore doing a series of autumnal tips. Since autumn means the beginning of the new school year, yesterday we mentioned keeping school supplies out of your furbaby's reach. Today's tip also relates to those furbabies potentially affected by a new school year starting up. School starting up can mean a new routine, which can include a cat or dog suddenly being home alone more often, or for longer periods of time. For some furbabies, this type of change in their routine can lead to anxiety, which can in turn lead to destructive behavior, increased vocalization, and other behaviors that are out of their ordinary.

There are some potential ways you can help combat a cat or dog's separation anxiety, such as that which might result from the start of a new school year. First, you can try to introduce changes to your furbaby's routine slowly. If you are a teacher or have children with whom your cat or dog is used to playing, then leading up to the school year, transition your furbaby to being home alone by going out of the house more often slowly over time. In addition to this, you can set up interactive toys to help keep them busy when their humans are away. Of course, ensure that any such interactive toys are safe and will not cause any harm to an unattended furbaby. You can also try using diffusers with synthetic pheromones that can potentially help a cat or dog feel calmer. All of the above being said, in some cases, the safest thing might simply be to ensure that your cat or dog is kept secluded in a safe area where they cannot harm themselves, or the house. This might mean keeping them contained to a safe room or a crate of a sufficient size while you are away from home.

What's more, if your cat or dog does display signs of anxiety that do not relent, it is of course wise to discuss this with a veterinarian. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that there is not an underlying medical reason for anxiety in a cat or dog. Once medical issues are ruled out, anxiety in a cat or dog might require medication, which can help calm them or help balance out their mood and behaviors. Anxiety can lead to an unhappy and unhealthy furbaby, so if you notice any signs of anxiety in your cat or dog, do not hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian, and to implement anti-anxiety techniques to help your furbaby feel happy and healthy.