Cat camp offered much more than hiking & water sports

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When a virtual event lingers in the mind for weeks afterward, it must have been a notable offering. That’s 100% true of “Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp: @ home for the holidays!” sponsored by Petco, an all-day production on Saturday, Dec. 5. 

Apparently the latest annual Cat Camp in a series, this one offered myriad options, with a focus that couldn’t lose: “A Life Well-Lived” for cats of all ages.  Who doesn’t want that for their cats?  The day’s programs dealt with kittens, winter shelters for community cats, forms of play, prime time, making homemade toys and senior cats, among others. 

I “attended” the session on senior cats hoping as always for tips on caring for Harry (15) and Billy (13) Summers.  I learned much that I’m still mulling over and acting on as possible.  (Some key ideas appear below for other cat parent-worrywarts.)  

But first, basic info to use if you want to attend Cat Camp now.  The basic link – catcamp.com – still gets you to all the day’s programs, running about 5 hours, give or take.  You can check the schedule and scroll around, visiting different sessions.  

With no regrets, I revisited the Senior Cats segment to fill in blanks after the first go-round, when I couldn’t keep up with the lively conversation between Galaxy and Ellen M. Carozza, an LTV who lectures widely.  The two seemed like kindred spirits in their devotion to cats and to felines of all ages living vital lives. 

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As for senior cats, they advised seeing your cat for what she is, not what you fear is happening.  Don’t apply your own fears about aging or sickness to your cat!  Same with dementia: age-related changes are not always dementia.  Because many other health issues have similar symptoms, it’s crucial to get the broadest possible picture through vet testing. 

By age 12, 99% of cats have arthritis, which can happen all over the body.  That’s a big deal for cats, who need to balance their weight on all 4 paws.  Observe: can the cat “go to the bathroom,” eat and drink, curl up in a ball to sleep . . . comfortably?  

It may be time to raise food and water bowls and consider litter pans with an open side (as in “puppy pans”). 

Is the cat grooming at all, or properly?  If not, expect dander accumulation, greasiness and mats.  (Mats, BTW, are my current challenge with long-haired Harry, who fights any brushing near them!) 

Galaxy and Carozza offered much, much more – and you can get all that plus the other sessions by visiting catcamp.com.  Commit some time, listen and take notes if that’s your learning style, and like me, you too can become a “happy camper”! 

2 seasonal reminders 

One easy cat tip: Remember that this is (gift) box season, and cats love ’em.  Instead of re-cycling boxes, save them to re-style into fun places for felines – and their fascinated families. https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/turn-excess-holiday-boxes-into-hangout-spots-for-your-cat?utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm_medium=Catster%20Ful%20ListAol%20yahoo%2030%20day%20actives%20and%20all%20others&utm_campaign=CED20201202 

Br-r-r-r-r-r!

With the cold setting in, it’s important to be alert to pets left outside. The HSUS reminds us that body fur isn’t enough protection, and it can be a crime to leave pets outside in extreme temperatures without 

food and shelter. 

If we see animals left out in the cold, we should speak up.  Here are some specifics. https://www.humanesociety.org/news/what-do-if-you-see-pet-left-out-cold?s_src=em_ha_12192020_132738.0&utm_source=convio&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=monthly_donor_update&utm_term=132738.0&utm_content=image4 

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AnimalBeat II will return in January ’21.  For now, wishing all animals and their advocates the happiest, healthiest new year possible!  And, at any time, readers are invited to comment on blog posts and suggest topics for future attention. 

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