Cat Grooming 101-A Workshop For Cat Lovers

FELINE AFICIONADA TO PRESENT CAT GROOMING 101- A WORKSHOP FOR CAT LOVERS-PRESS RELEASE.PDF

Feline Aficionada NEWS RELEASE MARCH 25, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tonia Evans @ 781-447-5489

 

FELINE AFICIONADA TONIA EVANS TO OFFER
CAT GROOMING 101 – A WORKSHOP FOR CAT LOVERS

HUMAROCK, MA -Feline Aficionada Tonia Evans will be offering Cat Grooming 101, a presentation to help cat guardians avoid home grooming faux pas on short and long-haired felines, on Wednesday April 27th at 7pm, hosted by Pawsitively Natural, 10 Marshfield Ave, Humarock, MA, during their Evening For Cat Lovers event. Tickets are $5. Space is limited. Handicap accessible. Register in advance by calling Pawsitively Natural at (781) 837-0850.

Cat Grooming 101 will promote the basics of grooming cats at home: tips on cat handling, how to clean eyes and ears, how to use grooming brushes and products, and stress free strategies for trimming claws. Pawsitively Natural will be offering 10% off all grooming products that evening so cat guardians can return home and begin grooming their cats with confidence. For details go to www.FelineAficionada.com/talks

 

FELINE AFICIONADA~TONIA EVANS:
Tonia Evans is a Professional Cat Sitter & Humorist Speaker on Cat Care and The Feline Lifestyle with over 15 years experience specializing in senior, disabled and special needs cats. She recently taught “How To Groom Your Pet At Home” a workshop for pet owners as well as a handful of “Publicity Success” courses through Adult Ed programs and private classes. A life long cat lover -her instinct for cat care and handling has given her extra nine-lives with her feline friends!

 

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For questions, background information or requests regarding Feline Aficionada Tonia Evans call 781-447-5489, or go online to www.FelineAficionada.com. Tonia Evans offers healthy, senior and special needs care and sitting services for cats in Massachusetts under The Kitty’s Corner, P.O. Box 646 Humarock, MA , 02047

 

Cat Chat March E-Newsletter Link

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Feline-Aficionada-s-Cat-Chat-E-Newsletter.html?soid=1101630309694&aid=kuOCv1O8u4w.

Pawsing For The People and Pets of Japan

It’s difficult to watch the news where i have to sit helplessly as my heart breaks with sadness and compassion for the people and pets of Japan. I want to hug all these people and help them. I watch YouTube Videos and news posts about the brave people stepping in to help rescue animals and meet the needs of the people who have survived the most unimaginable earthquake. One I can not even really wrap my mind around. What else is there to do but pray, and offer financial support to the rescue efforts.

Here is a Video I found on YouTube, please post a comment and share your thoughts with this community of readers.

Hugs, Tonia
Please Help Japans Animals (And people)

Eye Opener at The Cat Workshop

 

Last Sunday I went to the Whole Cat Workshop at Tufts and as always I had a wonderful time because the content and the speaker are extremely up to date and educational. The workshop attracts many animal care handlers, shelter workers, veterinarians, rescue organizers etc.,  and although they tend to be extremely gifted in their field, they often aren’t the best communicators I’ve ever been around. But you all know me, I am Ms Friendly Talkative lady, so I am a bit biased.  That’s ok though, now that I’ve attended this event many times before I simply brace myself for a lonely day of learning on the most beautiful college campus in new England.

The first workshop was in the veterinary track, titled Feline Veterinary Ophthalmology, given by Chris Pirie, DVM, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists! This workshop focused on the feline herpes virus and the variety of ways it wan affect cats. I never knew that the virus could be shed in felines not exhibiting the illness, in fact cats that have never had an episode can be carriers and begin to actively shed the virus once in a stressful situation. Cats that have been vaccinated for the virus will usually test positive for it in the future, even though the vaccine is the best route to take. Also, the general thought has been that to quarantine a cat for a few weeks to make sure they are past the shedding stage, but now veterinarians believe that the shedding stage can last up to 10 weeks! Poor kitty’s, and this can be a difficult strain for shelters with limited space.

On the walk over to the next workshop, Urinary Problems given by Mary Labato, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, I met veterinarian, Beth Jewett, a relief vet from the South Shore area. She covers vacations and other needs of veterinary offices across the New England area.  If you need a relief vet, I highly recommend her- she’s friendly and can be reached by calling 781-219-7051. This presentation went into great detail about the medical reasons felines have urinary problems, and I was really impressed. Most of the attendees were veterinarians and it was exciting to hear them brain storm when Dr Labato gave her case studies to the group to openly bounce treatment ideas off of each other. Since, I am mainly interested in learning more about home care I ducked out a bit early and waited for lunch.

Waiting for lunch I looked around and every person I in the cafeteria was at least 20 feet apart, well out of chat range and eyes fixated on their mobile devices. I know it’s Sunday before noon time, but even I was surprised. This year lunch was served in two locations, one in the veterinary track area and the other in the behavioral auditorium area. Lunch consisted of vegetarian chili, salad, corn bread and chocolate chip desserts. I was thrilled to continue my conversation with Beth over lunch, if it wasn’t for her company I think I would have been so bored out of my mind.

After lunch I switched tracks and attended Resolving Feline Inappropriate Elimination with Nicole Cottam, MS, ACAAB. Hearing the details explained so clearly I realized I may be missing some non-verbal protests to my litter box options at home. There’s so much to share on this subject that I intent to write an entire post or series about it later.  I got to know the two girls sitting next to me from Brocken Tail Rescue, a Worcester area rescue group. They have cats for adoption at a Pet Smart Framingham locations and in foster homes. Check out their website it’s a really cute site and they’re doing great work for animals in their area. I love meeting young people who are all charged up and ready to jump in and help animals in need. Their site has a list of animals for adoption, upcoming events and fundraising opportunities and lots of resources.

The last workshop was on Common Behavior Problems in The Home with Kathryn Wrubel, PHD, from InTown Veterinary Group. I was incredibly exhausted and thought, if this workshop is boring I am heading home early. Then I realized that Dr. Wrubel was not only the best speaker of the entire day, she also had the best subject and case studies of all!

I had to get a soda to stay awake but it was worth it. I quickly realized that feline behavior is so exciting when you heard it broken down in case studies of actual cats with aggression issues, and how analyzing the details can help change the lives of so many feline human relationships. I don’t know what the number is but a lot of cats are surrendered to shelters for much less offenses than being aggressive or not using the litter box, and upon careful examination of caring  cat owners, the reason for the behavior or “Trigger:” can usually be identified and a clear plan to success can be initiated. I am totally hooked.

So, I left after the very last workshop, no one to stay and talk with, just a quick walk to my car to go home. To say I met and exchanged business cards with three people is a impressive accomplishment and one that made the whole day worthwhile

 

Orlando Florida Pet Products Expo

The Global Pet Products Expo is happening right now in Orlando Florida. The Feline Aficionada Team Associates arrived yesterday and they’ve been having a wonderful time so far-they also said the weather is fantastic!

They reported that there were thousands of people at the event and lots of educational seminars everyday and they saw the cutest most adorable Cat Car ever, a Smart Car with an exciting cat wrap! I totally want this cat car so I can drive around the South Shore area doing cat care and talks!

This morning, not only celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, they have attended the Thursday am networking breakfast. I’ve already received texts about networking opportunities, grants for Pets In Class programs, and more.

This afternoon the Feline Aficionada Team will be attending the Cat Retailing Workshop given by Jane Brunt the Executive Director of CATalyst Council. The workshop will share opportunities to grow the cat owner portion of a business and highlight important statistics, discuss perceptions about cats from: consumers’, pet retail employees’, welfare workers’ and veterinarians’ points of view. Most importantly, it will provide insight into growing this timely and yet-to-be tapped market. I wish I could be there to hear all the latest news and trends about cat movement!

For more information on the Global Pet Products Expo in Orlando go to Global Pet Expo online!

 

Cat Food Recall Alert!

Wellness Canned Cat Food Recall Information, Please read to find out more about the details and review the recall dates on your canned cat food to see if they are recalled. You can also read more online at Bella So Savvy, which includes an informative reader comment string.

 

Contacts:
Consumer Inquiries:       Media Inquiries:
(877) 227-9587        Claire Burke
Hunter PR
(212) 679-6600

WELLPET LLC VOLUNTARILY RECALLS
CERTAIN LOTS OF CANNED CAT FOOD
No Other Lots, Products or Dates Affected

Tewksbury, MA (February 28, 2011) – WellPet LLC announced today it has voluntarily recalled certain lots of
Wellness® canned cat food.

While recent laboratory testing found that most lots of Wellness canned cat food that were tested contain
sufficient amounts of thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1), some of the lots listed below might contain less
than adequate levels of thiamine.  However, out of an abundance of caution, WellPet has decided to recall all
of the lots listed below.

Cats fed only the affected lots for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine
is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or
neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting,
and weight loss.  In advanced cases, neurologic signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending
towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. If your cat has consumed the
recalled lots and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.  If treated promptly, thiamine
deficiency is typically reversible.

The lots involved in this voluntary recall are:

Wellness Canned Cat (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13;

Wellness Canned Cat Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best buy dates.

Consumers who still have cans of cat food from these lots should stop feeding them to their cats and call us at
(877) 227-9587 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Eastern Time.  Consumers with further questions
should visit our website at www.wellnesspetfood.com or call us at this same number.

WellPet discovered the lower thiamine levels during independent testing conducted together with the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration in response to a single, isolated consumer complaint received by the FDA.
Although WellPet has received no other reports concerning thiamine in its products, WellPet has taken
additional steps with the manufacturer to ensure that this does not happen again.

“As a pet parent myself, I’m concerned for the health and welfare of all pets, and as a company we are
committed to delivering the most nutritious natural pet food,” said Tim Callahan, chief executive officer of

WellPet, the maker of Wellness products. “Even though the chance of a cat developing a thiamine deficiency is
extremely remote, we are voluntarily recalling all of these lots of our canned cat food as an extra precaution.”

Meowing My Way To The Whole Cat Workshop

I just registered for the Whole Cat Workshop, to be held on March 20th, at Tufts University. This event is coordinated by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition and it’s always a fantastic day networking with other cat lovers while learning about things that help cats.

The last time I attended this event it was memorable because the people from Alley Cat Allies came and did an awesome workshop on helping feral cats. To read the details from the last workshop go to:  http://felineaficionada.com/2009/03/whole-cat-workshop/.

This year’s schedule is enhanced with extra workshops and I’m sure it will top past events in content. Tufts is offering a veterinary Feline Medicine track,(my favorite angle) and Pet Finder is offering a Feline Behavior Track, and with the ability to choose between tracks each session, I am planning on mixing it up a bit.

Here’s the list of the workshop courses that I hope to attend this year.

• 8:30-10:00am: Feline Veterinary Ophthalmology; Speaker: Chris Pirie, DVM, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists! This workshop interests me because my cats and my cat sitting clients cats have experienced eye issues like: sudden unexplained clear discharge, reddens around the eye lids, allergy-like crud, inflammation around the tear ducts, and scratches on the eye from family cat wacks! Needless to say, I’d love to explore these issues and learn the correct terminology and treatment options if possible!
• 10:15-12:45: Urinary Problems; Speaker: Mary Labato, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.This workshop interests me because I have personally experienced cats that have had what seems like mysterious issues related to urological problems. My mind ponders these types of health concerns for cats, is it a disease that causes a problem with the kidneys that causes a problem with the bladder, can organs fail and causes a problem with the bladder, how does nutrition specifically affect the urine, and what is the affect of behavior and stress in relation to urological issues? What’s a girl to do? I guess I will get an earful at the workshop!
• 12:45-2:15: Resolving Feline Inappropriate Elimination; Speaker: Nicole Cottam, MS, ACAAB. After lunch I will be switching to the behavior track. This workshop will be an eye opener and will help me, help my cat sitting clients a lot. Many of my clients have asked me why their cats poop just outside their litter boxes. Examining the family dynamics (cats and humans alike), medical issues and veterinary feedback, age, stress levels etc, one can begin to make adjustments that may help the cat get right into the box for the BM, i.e. changing litter boxes, cleaning litter boxes, adding additional litter boxes etc. Sometimes these things work and solve the problem, and sometimes they don’t. That’s why I will really enjoy exploring ways to resolve this issue and be able to share it with my clients and readers.
• 2:30-4:00pm: Common Behavior Problems in The Home; Speaker: Kathryn Wrubel, PHD. I will close the seminar on this exciting topic-Behavioral Problems In the Home!  I personally have my own tricks and my clients have implemented a few of their own. I’m really excited to explore new ideas that can help keep my feline family happy and healthy!

If you’re interested in registering for the Whole Cat Workshop, do so before March 4th. To find out more information and to register online go to: MA Animal Coalition. Whole Cat Workshop.

Back Up Chair!

This past week it’s been all about the “Back Up”. Last night my friend posted she watched The “Back Up” Plan. Yes   the movie with Alex O’Loughlin, one of the most handsome men I could dream up. Then last weekend I accidentally deleted my entire active website database. Yes, the one that holds all of my content, pages and posts etc. Read more

Feline Aficionada Joins Pet Sitters International

FELINE AFICIONADA JOINS PET SITTERS INTERNATIONAL

Whitman, MA-Feline Aficionada Tonia Evans of The Kitty’s Corner has been accepted for membership in Pet Sitters International (PSI), an organization of more than 8,000 independent professional pet sitting services throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1994, PSI is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters.

For cat owners, in-home cat sitting provides a unique alternative to boarding facilities—or relying on family or neighbors to check on pets.  Cat sitters come to the home daily and felines are able to keep their regular routines for meals, walks, medication and one-on-one care and attention.  Owners report that their cats experience less stress and adjust better to their owners’ absence when the cats remain in their normal environment.

PSI offers members access to bonding and liability insurance and educational resources such as PSI’s Accreditation Program and annual Quest convention.   According to PSI President Patti Moran, pet owners consider their ’fur children‘ part of the family and the demand for quality care continues to increase, “Our membership consists of trusted pet care professionals serving an average of 191 clients each and performing an estimated 17.4 million pet sitting engagements each year,” Moran said.

With membership in PSI, The Kitty’s Corner has reinforced its dedication to offering professional, quality services and increasing their knowledge of the pet care industry. Feline Aficonada Tonia Evans and The Kitty’s Corner are available for cat sitting for healthy, senior and special needs cats in the South Shore area of Massachusetts. Call 781-447-5489 for an appointment. For additional information about Pet Sitters International, visit www.petsit.com.

Set of Will and Grace

Today I visited my Alma mater Emerson College in Boston, a day devoted to growing my business, I took in a workshop at The Center For Women and Enterprise, and did some research at the Emerson Library, where the set of the TV Show Will & Grace is on display. That was one of my favorite shows, for it’s humor and comic …timing. There was one episode when Karen had an x-ray of a cat, “Will takes it and says “this is the x-ray of a cat.” Karen says “Meow?” can you think of any other such episodes with a cat?

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