Entries Tagged 'cats' ↓

Catios — enclosed patios for cats — are the new trend for indoor cats who want a taste of the outside life, the New York Times reports. (See the Times’ cute catio slideshow and catioshowcase.com.)

Catios have made inroads in the suburbs, where they range from small, practical structures — like a box made of wood and chicken wire — to all-out fantasy cat playgrounds, replete with tunnels and scratching posts. But such enclosures remain a rarity in the city, where giving up even a square foot of real estate to a litter box can seem like a sacrifice.

Atlanta cat specialist Drew Weigner is quoted saying outdoor space offers cats emotional benefits:

While it is safer for them to stay inside, “in an enclosed yard, they’re going to get more exercise,” Dr. Weigner said. “Plus, there’s the intellectual stimulation, quote-unquote.”

Dr. Weigner advises suburban cat owners to keep outdoor enclosures off the ground, to guard against fleas and other parasites. He pointed to the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ Web page on environmental enrichment, which recommends several types of fencing for suburban cats.

Inside or outside, cat experts recommend setting up a playground for your feline to exercise their bodies and minds. Learn more about cat playgrounds and how you can set up your own in this video.

PAWS Atlanta will be featured on a special episode of Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog with Victoria Stilwell. The episode is scheduled to air Saturday, June 19th at 9 PM.

PAWS Atlanta provides medical care, shelter, food and basic training to homeless cats and dogs until their permanent, safe homes are found. The episode will show the nonprofit receiving upgrades, courtesy of Lowe’s Home Improvement.

The group is holding a viewing party in the High Ballroom at the Hotel Palomar that evening from 7:30 to 10:30 PM. Enjoy food from Chef (and dog-lover) Keira of Pacci Ristorante. Prizes will be raffled off during the commercials! A full cash bar will be available.

Tickets are $30 each if purchased online by Thursday, June 17th. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $35 with cash or check only. Click here for details.

Please note that pets are not allowed in the High Ballroom of the Hotel Palomar.

A Grayson woman has been charged with arson and cruelty to animals after she allegedly set fire to a home she was renting, killing her two cats, Christian Boone with the AJC reports:

The fire took place Oct. 6 in the 8500 block of Lake Drive in Snellville. Gwinnett County Fire spokesman Tommy Rutledge said investigators found an accelerant inside the home where Sarah Sheridan, 27, was living alone.

Firefighters arrived just after 10:30 p.m. to find heavy smoke pouring out of the front of the two-story wood frame house. The blaze caused heavy damage to the basement where the cats were trapped.

Investigators are not releasing the motive, but Rutledge said sufficient evidence was found to make an arrest. Sheridan was taken into custody on Wednesday and posted a $30,000 bond the following day. She is charged with one count each of first degree arson, cruelty to animals and providing false statements to police.