| Jelly Bean’s Corner (Photos of friends of Jelly Bean & Jelly Bean advices) |
| Presentation by Jelly Bean |
| Hello! I’m Jelly Bean the cat. I was born in the Spring of 2002 and came to the world with a brother and a little sister. All three of us were lost and slowly made our way to the humans that have now become my adoptive parents. |
 | At first they thought that we had a home, but when they saw that the neighbours were throwing rocks at us, they soon understood our sad reality: we were orphaned or abandoned kittens. Now that I have a feline and a human family I can spend my waking moments giving you good advice. In this page you will find some useful information, and also some photos of my friends from all over the world. Don’t hesitate to send me your suggestions and comments. |
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| Did you know that… |
 | Night time vocalization is often thought to be a behavior problem or a manipulation toward humans, but that it could very well be a health problem like hyperthyroidism, particularly in the case of older cats. |
| Stress is cats’ worst enemy. Your cat can suffer from emotional, mental or physical stress! |
| | PICA, defined as the ingestion of indigestible substances is more frequent in some oriental breeds as it is the case with Siamese and Burmese cats. In a study of 152 cats that were eating fabric, 55% were Siamese, 28% were Burmese, and 11% were crossbreeds. Among these cats, 93% began with wool to go on to other fabrics. |
| | Invest in a safe collar and an identification tag for your cat; you never know when your cat may need it. Shelters receive frequently lost cats, with no way to find their owners, they are sadly euthanized. |
| Please don’t ignore the messages your feline companions are telling you, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a complete check-up. |
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| Feline intimacies… litter boxes: the road less traveled by your cat? |
| Feline litter box problems |
| Here is one of the behavior problems that very often calls for the services of a feline behavior professional. |
| Here are a few signs to look for: Is your cat in good health? Before everything, ensure yourself that your feline friend is not suffering from a health problem, like constipation, urinary tract infection (UTI), renal deficiency or cystitis. In some cases, cats can suffer from stress, maybe because you are not home often enough or because of changes in their environment.If you are certain that your cat is in good health and is not suffering from stress but still refuses to use his litter box, here are the three golden rules that you must abide by: |
| The litter box must: | |||
| 1) | Be clean: Do you clean the litter box at least once a day? Seriously, if you don’t appreciate a dirty bathroom, why should your feline friend do? |  | |
| 2) | Allow your feline friend the right to some kind of intimacy (location of the litter box) Have you chosen a safe place for the litter box? You probably find it more practical to send your feline friend to eliminate far from everyone and everything. Very good up to now, however, see that you abide by this rule: | ||
| 3) | Allow your feline friend the opportunity to easily escape, in case of danger (escape potential). The litter box must be placed in a quiet spot. Although your feline friend (like humans) must have intimacy to go to the bathroom, assure yourself that this location will not be noisy nor stressful (transit of people or children, washing machines or dryers can scare him). | ||
| Other important facts to consider: |
| - You must have at least as many litter boxes as you have cats living in the same house. |
| The litter |
| We have more and more different brands of litter. The choice is proving to be very difficult for the new feline owners. In Quebec we don’t have the exact numbers, but for our American neighbours it seems that about 70% of cats prefer in particular clumping litter. |
| Scented or unscented? |
| If you have chosen a scented litter, I’m sorry to tell you that you have been a victim of a marketing product that aims at making the cat owners happy and not the cats! If felines could shop for their own litter, believe me that the scented one would be their last choice. Cats having a very developed olfactory system hate perfumes.Only a few cats will get use to it. However I will strongly recommend to you to use an unscented litter. What is the solution to avoid bad odours? Clean the litter box more often, including the litter scoop. |
| The litter box… is it enough for your” big kitty”? |
| I believe that most of the litter box manufacturers know little about our real size. They are often made too small for our size. Each day, some cats realize real acrobatics in the litter box where they are barely able to fit half of their bodies! Don’t hesitate to visit your favourite renovation store and choose a tote (plastic storage container) in consequence. Believe me that’s exactly what mom did! |
| Litter box with a cover or without one? |
| The opinions of feline friends are divided. A small percentage will prefer a covered litter box and a bigger majority sadly will be afraid to go to the bathroom in a place where they can’t see what is going on around them. However if you choose a covered litter box, be open to the idea of removing the top. And of course, don’t forget to have them neutered/spayed. An intact cat will have the tendency to mark his territory! |
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| Gardening and cats |
| If you are often visited by the neighbours’ cats (surely not me because I’m an indoor cat!) and they make messes on your property, try to discourage them by investing in the acquisition of a beautiful perennial plant called Rue. | ||
) | Rue releases a strong and penetrating odour. It also has a bitter taste. When the cat’s coat is drenched by the essential oils of this plant, he will lick it and will be discouraged by its bitter taste. Regularly put citrus slices and quarters like that of an orange or a lemon in the places that are visited by the cats. Cats hate the smell of these fruits. Drive away cats from your favourite plants or places to avoid by steering them toward plants like catnip or valerian in strategic locations, these plants are very much appreciated by cats. | |
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| Clicker training and cats |
| Have you ever heard that it’s impossible to train a cat? Well, I would love to ask this question to those who swear by it: why not? Clicker training is not new. However it is most often used with dogs, but it is also effective with almost all animals, of which us felines. | ||
) | Personally, I adore the clicker because I know that if I do what my mommy asks of me, I will get a delicious treat. So she’s happy and so am I! Did you know that… The clicker is proving to be very useful in correcting a behavior problem. Although felines litter box problems and aggression often indicate to us a health problem or of stress, once you have your veterinarian’s confirmation* that it is not the case, you can try this wonderful invention. | |
| While using the clicker, your cat will be able to: |
| Come to you when you call it (extremely useful in case of danger!)ExerciseImpress your visitorsControl or defiantly eliminate an aggression problem*Motivate your cat to use the litter box*The possibilities are endless! |
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| Jelly Bean… and culture! |
| Communication Féline owns a large library, which has in its inventory some extremely interesting books for the cat lovers. It would be impossible to comment on all of them. However I chose some titles that all cat owners should have, which addresses as much on behavior and diet, then on the beautiful love stories between humans and cats! |
| Jelly Bean’s choice |
) | VIANDE À CHIEN written by : Manon Bonneau No, it’s not a book for dog owners only! It’s a book written by a very good friend of the companion animals, Quebecer Manon Bonneau. This book will inform you on the needs dogs and cats concerning natural diet, vaccination and also about other holistic treatments. It contains some homemade diets, balanced and easy to do. | ) | THINK LIKE A CAT written by : Pam Johnson-Bennett One of the best books on feline behavior written exclusively for cat owners by the author of seven books, the American Pam Johnson-Bennett. This book will tell you how to manage the behavior problems that we see most often in cats. |
) | PETIQUETTE - SOLVING BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN YOUR MULTI-PET HOUSEHOLD written by : Amy D. Shojai Written by the author of 21 books on the care and education of companion animals, the American Amy D. Shojai. If you have many cats and dogs in your home, this book will be of a precious help. | ) | CLICKER TRAINING FOR CAT written by : Karen Pryor Written by Karen Pryor. Here is a perfect training technique for greedy cats like me, the clicker followed by a delicious treat! |
| Bedside table books or to read while on vacation |
) | CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CAT LOVERS'S SOUL written by many authors A book containing some very touching stories. | ) | MALCOM AND ME - LIFE IN THE LITTER BOX written by William J. Thomas If you think that a love relationship between a man and a cat is impossible, this book will make you laugh and cry in the end. |
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| The long journey, when the time comes to say Goodbye… |
| The death of a feline friend is a great tragedy for many cat owners. Sadly we don’t have the same life expectancy as humans. Our owners must content themselves to have us in their lives for an estimated period of 15 to 20 years and in some exceptions, a few more years. | ||
| In our society the opinions are equally divided. For some, the death of their feline friend is a real tragedy, but for others it is something very trivial… we’re only talking about an animal, a thing! (Worth mentioning that the animals us 100% of their instinct but the humans only use 10% of their brain capacity…) If you are one of these sensitive people, you will risk finding yourself in the confusion and the absolute chaos. There are support groups for animal owners that are going through a difficult time following the death of a companion animal. |  | |
| If you are not sure, Anita Frazier in her extraordinary book “The New Natural Cat” provides us with a list of signs which show us that euthanasia is obvious: |
1) | Confusion: Inability to locate the litter box or to get back to bed |
2) | Extreme weakness: Staggering, leaning against things, collapsing to rest |
3) | Sitting or lying in the litter box |
4) | Sitting with head over the water dish |
5) | Subcutaneous hydration therapy no longer being absorbed |
6) | Body temperature drops below normal |
7) | Refusing warmth, though the animal feels cold or his environment is cold |
8) | Constant uninterrupted purring for no reason |
9) | Lying or crouching and staring off into space. Eyes unfocused, not caring what you do of don’t care for her |
10) | Rapid breathing through partly open mouth |
11) | Abdomen heaves with each breath |
| Even if euthanasia could very well be one of the worst experiences in your life, don’t let your feline suffer unnecessarily. Here are some suggestions that will allow you to find this experience less difficult, all the while allowing you to go through your mourning: |
| If your veterinarian can come to your home to do the euthanasia, this is an option to consider, in spite of the costs. After all, you won’t have any more expenses connected to your feline friend. |
| If you have to go to the veterinarian’s office, ask a good friend to accompany you. Bring with you a large towel or your feline’s favourite blanket. |
| If you like holistic remedies bring with you a bottle of Rescue Remedy and put a few drops all over your feline’s body before euthanasia, particularly on the chest and around the mouth and the ears. Put also a few drops under your tongue. |
| Veterinarians usually allow their clients to say their goodbyes in private without making them feel that they will be late for their next appointment. Talk to your cat, do it even though you are not able to say a word. |
| Tell him how much he has made you happy and ask him to take good care of himself. |
| Do some TTouch during the last moments. Goodbye and see you next time! |
| Once euthanasia is completed, take your feline friend and wrap him in a blanket and if you are like my mom who believes that animals have a soul, leave him wrapped in the blanket for a period of three hours before burying him. According to Diane Stein in her wonderful book “Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats”, letting a companion animal rest for three hours is necessary to allow his spirit (or his soul) to separate itself from his body. You can after this period of time bury your feline friend. |
| Think about yourself and others too: |
| Don’t live your mourning alone and above all, don’t be ashamed to cry or to express your feelings. Only you know how much you have loved your feline friend and everything both of you had shared together, a privileged relationship. |
| Don’t forget that the other animals in your home will also be affected by the departure of this wonderful family member. Be there for them, play with your other pets and shower them with affection. |
| Nobody has the right to criticize you or to ask you to stop crying. |
| Try to talk about it with other people who have pets, they will understand you much better then another person who is not close to animals. |
| A note on burial: The company AfuBox Canada Inc.(Animal Funeral box) manufactures biodegradable coffins for animals which is after all, a last minute relief. No more plastic bags that the veterinarians normally use to give you back the bodies of your companion animals. The coffins are available in three sizes and two models. This is a dignified way to say Goodbye to your faithful companion, who moreover will be able to go with his favourite toys. The coffins are from now on only available at your veterinarian. For more information, contact: Normand Turcotte afubox@rogers.com 613-842-4689 http://www.afubox.com |
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| Jelly Bean’s Prayer: |
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| Before adopting another feline friend |
Who can resist the charm of a kitten? The sad look of an abandoned cat or, your feline companion is the only cat in the house and you think that he needs company? Here are some dilemmas which make the cat owners hesitate and also take the immediate action. Sadly, these impulses done in good faith are often the reason for abandoning the newcomer or worst, the cat that was already there. |
| Your choice: |
| If however you decide to adopt a cat coming from a shelter (domestic or purebred) take the time to visit the shelter and ask all of the relevant questions. Ask for advice form the volunteers, most of them know quite well the personality of the shelter’s cats. |
| A purebred or a domestic cat? |
| If the idea of owning a purebred cat interests you, you must get acquainted with the specific needs according to the breed of your choice |
| Each breed has its own characteristics and many have a genetic need to an enriched environment adapted to their breed. |
| Make sure that you acquire your cat from a breeder that has excellent references. |
| Other important points to consider: |
| Ensure yourself that the future candidate is in excellent health and also that it is compatible with your resident cat. |
| If your resident cat is an adult male, choose a female or a male younger then him |
| If you have an adult female, your best choice would be a young male or a young female |
| Do not disregard the necessary introductions… Imagine your reaction if you suddenly found a stranger in your Living Room (or your Bedroom…) with no notice or introduction and on top of that, to have to share your personal belongings and your food! |
| If you just have lost a feline companion, take the time to grieve before making a choice. |
| And most of all: don’t own more pets then rooms in your home. A cat overpopulation in the same house has little chance of being adapted to the needs of the felines as such a situation would only create friction among them! |
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| Cats available for adoption |
| Here are a few photos of the cats that are available for adoption through Animal Rescue Network. |
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Bijou | Moka | Gina |
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| A word from Guadalupe (my mommy) |
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Guadalupe Bermejo |
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| The favorite stores of Jelly Bean |
| Rive-Sud de Montréal CANIN-FELIN EXPRESS 317 St. Denis St. Lambert , Qc. (450) 672-2646 | Montréal ANIMALERIE PATTES À POILS 4810 St-Denis Montréal, Qc. (514) 282-9886 |
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