UPDATED FOR 2021 Below is just a small smattering of inexpensive gifts for cat lovers in your life.  Perfect as teacher gifts, Secret Santa presents, holiday stocking stuffers, or hostess gifts, please browse the selection below.  There is no more appreciated gift to a cat loving friend than one which showcases that affection. Maybe you'll want to buy an extra or two to keep on hand for a thoughtful last-minute gift. Many of these would also be quite charming as "thank you" gifts to your local shelter workers.  They work hard, often for low pay, because of their love for animals - why not get them a special treat as a token of appreciation? All the inexpensive gifts for cat lovers listed below are available through Etsy.  I have also chosen items that will ship relatively quickly so as not to disappoint a recipient due to late arrival.  All sellers have ratings of at least 4.5 stars.   I have also been careful not to list any strictly holiday gifts, so that you can return to this guide anytime you…

Car travel with cats - on hearing these words, no one jumps up and exclaims "wow, that sounds like fun"!  But traveling with your felines doesn't have to be difficult.  Here are a few tips to help you and your pet cope. As an affiliate of Lovimals, I earn on qualified purchases. IF YOUR CAT HAS NEVER GONE ON A LONG CAR TRIP BEFORE Take a practice ride. Make sure you drive at least ½ hour outgoing, to make it a one-hour round trip. There are two reasons for this: 1. Acclimatization – One major cause of anxiety is unfamiliarity. Getting your cat used to being in the car for longer periods may lessen his fear. 2. Showing You What to Expect. Some cats will never be comfortable in a car, no matter how familiar it becomes. And there are few things worse than finding your yowling cat won’t stop yowling, when you’re hours away from her veterinarian’s office. If your cat is still showing significant fear after a couple of practice runs, it’s time for a visit to the doctor.…

INDOOR VS OUTDOOR CATS.  WHICH CHOICE WILL HELP YOUR CAT LIVE A LONGER AND HAPPIER LIFE? Indoor vs outdoor cats.  Whenever the discussion turns towards cats, there are two camps.  The first says that cats love being outside, and should have the freedom to remain outdoors.  The second says that cats are domestic animals and should remain indoors.   Then there are the half and halfers who have indoor/outdoor cats.  Which is really the best choice for the animal, and for their owners? OUTDOOR CATS FACE MANY DANGERS PREDATORS There are many wild animals who find cats the perfect prey.  Small, and apparently tasty, cats can become victims of foxes, coyotes, and dogs.  Particularly small cats can and are carried off by hawks.  Even raccoons have been known to eat domestic cats.  Keeping your cat indoors can protect them from a sudden and nasty death. HEALTH Outdoor cats are bound to come in contact with feral cats at one time or another.  Feral cats, unless in a TNR colony, do not have vaccinations.  Often sick, usually with upper respiratory infections, ferals can…

  The feral cat problem.  These words conjure up hordes of cats damaging neighborhoods, defecating in children's sandboxes, spreading disease to domesticated felines.  But it doesn't need to be that way.  Dedicated volunteers from TNR organizations work hard every day to mitigate the concerns of homeowners and make life for feral cats easier and healthier. WHAT IS TNR? TNR is short for trap, neuter, and release.  Feral cat colonies are a problem in many neighborhoods.   These colonies, left unchecked, can grow very large.  They leave cat feces on homeowner’s properties, disrupt local wildlife, and raise concerns about contagious diseases. TNR is a program, carried out by local volunteers across the country. Unsocialized cats are trapped, taken to a veterinarian to be neutered or spayed, vaccinated against contagious diseases, and returned to the original colony.  Some, of course, living in the elements as they do, will be too ill to save, and will be humanely euthanized at the veterinary office. WHAT CAUSES CATS TO BECOME FERAL? Honestly, humans are responsible for much of the stray cat population.  Of course, some cats get…