Coyote attacks on pets are on the rise!

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE!

Coyotes attacking cats and small dogs, and now people is becoming increasingly more frequent.  Below is some information to help you and your pets protect yourself against coyotes.

A: There are a number of things you can do to prevent your small pet (cat or dog) from being attacked by a coyote.

• Keep pets indoors at dusk and dawn.  Dusk and dawn are the two times during the day coyotes roam the most
• Get an outdoor pet enclosure to keep your pet from roaming or running away.  Never leave your pet alone in the enclosure, but use it as a way to make sure your pet does not run away and into the wild.
• Feed your pets indoors.  Or if you feed them outdoors do so during the day and never leave pet food out at night. (food attracts other rodents, small animals and varmints which in turn attracts coyotes)
• Make sure trash is not left outside in bags and that all trash cans have secure lids with locking mechanisms.  Secure the cans to a fence or wall with rope or elastic cord so the trash cannot be tipped over
• Install motion sensitive lights in your back yard and around your house.
• Don’t leave fruit, berries or compost on the ground or uncovered.
• Don’t overflow birdfeeders. Hang them high or in areas that are not accessible to coyotes.
• NEVER feed coyotes.
• You can install one or more 7 foot or higher posts with a platform at the top for cats to use as an escape from coyotes.  The posts need to be made of a material that the cats can climb.  When being chased by a predator a cat can climb the post and sit on the platform until it is safe to decend and the coyote is gone.
• Clear brush and vegetation to remove habitat for small animals that may attract coyotes and to remove areas where coyotes can hide while stalking their prey.
• Always keep pets on a leash when walking in parks, forest areas or in residential areas.

Most recently, 4 roaming cats were killed by coyotes in a quiet Florida neighborhood.  Shortly after this attack, 3 cats were taken by coyotes in Massachusetts.  Coyotes have recently been spotted roaming New York’s Central Park.  A Chihuahua puppy in Colorado was taken by coyotes only to be saved by a neighbor’s pit bull.  And who can forget Daisy, Jessica Simpson’s 5 year old maltipoo that was snatched by a coyote right in front of her eyes.

Our precious cats and dogs long to be outdoors, at least part of the time.  Kritter Kommunity Kondos are the purr-fect solution.  Designed for use anywhere outdoors including courtyards, balconies, campgrounds, beaches, hotels, parks and front or backyards, Kritter Kondos measure 2 feet tall by 2.5 feet wide by 5.5 feet long and will keep your pet safely enclosed while outdoors.  This pet enclosure is ideal for up to three cats and small dogs, 35 pounds and under – the same types of pets that are generally the target of coyote attacks.

-Admin

@Lunachique ’s furbabies!

Andrea’s furbabies include Ariel, Aurora and Bond

Andrea is one of our Twitter Friends enjoys tweeting about current events, pets and just for fun!  Andrea loves to play Twitter Contests and recently won our $15.00 CatToys.com gift certificate Summer Fun Contest by Direct Mailing us that CATS IN NEED is her favorite Animal Rescue…. after reading about her furballs, one can see why :<)  xoxoxo

Here is what Andrea writes about her Kritter Litter.

We got Aurora first.  She was five weeks old.  She was adopted from a dog trainer at Pet Smart!  If I had to do it all over again I would have waited longer before bringing her home because she has behavior and hygiene issues now.  She’s not very nice, but she’s smart and does tricks so I love her very much.  We got Ariel next because Aurora was quite a handful when she got to be about twelve weeks old.  She was biting and being mean!  Ariel mellowed her out for the most part because she is one of the sweetest most gentle cats ever.   She’s my heart!  She was originally supposed to have been my husband’s cat, but when they put her in his arms, she headbutted me when they took the adoption picture of us!  Ariel was adopted from Cats in Need, Yorba Linda!  Bond came from the Westminster Petco.  He was supposed to have been a dog, but we got a doglike cat instead.  He is beautiful!  He was hanging in a little hammock when we came to bring him home.  His brother had chewed off all of his whiskers!  Now his whiskers are probably about four or five inches long.  He was named after James Bond because of his huge gold eyes and snazzy tuxedo coat!

A Kritter that Twitters named Tiger – so cute!

My name is Tiger, I am a male, orange, tiger striped tabby. My Mom and Dad adopted me from a friend of a friend when I was just a kitteh. I have lived here with them for 7 years! Wow, gettin old. My favorite food is tuna, oh and bits of mommy’s steak! I like to nap on my mommy’s belly, of course! And I like any toy that has enough catnip to smell, some say catnip, but they lie!

Tiger loves to nap and show his floofy belly!

Tiger is @ChloeToby on Twitter!  He recently won our Kritters that Twitter contest: a $15.00 Gift Certificate.

Leave Tiger a comment and ask him what he bought with his certificate, or just say hi!

We love Rescue Ink!

Happy Valentine’s Day

Hey Animals! We wanted to take a moment to say thanks for being our pals.  Twitter has been so much fun for the Kritter Kommunity, and it is because of paws like you.  From the Kritter Kontests, #FollowFridays, #WoofWednesdays and #Pawpawties….. your tweets brighten our day all year round.  But today we want to recognize that and just give you a big *NOSETAP*

No matter what you do this weekend or how your spend your V – Day, please know you are in our thoughts and hearts!

We hope your weekend is warm and special and filled with much love.

No matter what you do or how you spend your February 14th, know that you hold a special place in our hearts and purrs.

Much love, xoxoxoxo

Lisa, Madi and Abi

Wednesday at the Kritter Kommunity

Today was a pretty nommy day… what does nommy mean? (please leave me a comment with your interpertation!)
Anyhow, I had a lot of fun today, mostly because my mama brought home a Rotissiere Chicken and cut up a whole bunch for me and Abi. It was delicious!!! Warm, juicy and tasty. After I ate , I followed my mama on her heels to the puter where she set me up for some tweeting. I always love to tweet with my friends on Twitter. It was a little quiet tonight but I was glad I got on because I was able to say Happy Birfday to @HanktheDoggy who was celebrating up a storm.    Hank is an adorable English Setter named after Hank Williams.  He is a real cutie.

ADORABLE!

@DrugstorCowboy gave me a big shout out and that always makes me purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr….

Cool Dude

After I was done tweeting I ran upstairs and grabbed my mousie toy and tossed it down the steps.  Then I went running down after it and tossed it around for a little bit.  I like to meow like a lion in between tosses, it makes me feel super masculine.

Exhausted from playing, I collapsed on the floor………. but then suddenly heard noises.  I heard a drawer open (oh my favorite thing; an open drawer!) and went running to see what was going on.  To my surprise, my mommy had made me a special little bed in a drawer with my cozy KOZY. I almost fell over with purrrs.  ALL THIS FUR ME!?

This is ALL MINE!

My mommy was trying to pick me up and put me in my new bed, but she didn’t have to worry.  I quick hopped right in and started kneading myself a spot.  I still can’t believe this wonderful patch of soft, warm heaven is all MINE!

I have ARRIVED!

I am so excited to be curling up in here while my mommy watches TV.   I can stare at her and still be relaxing in my new bed. It is just purrrrfect!  Time to go back and get cozy in my KOZY!

What is that you say???   I have no idea who Abi is….

zzzzz

-Madi, The Cat

*** Interview with Waggy’s ***

Interview with Waggy’s

January 15, 2010

Hosted by:  Madi, The Cat

Kritters That Twitter

http://www.waggysecopetproducts.com/

MADI: Hi Waggy’s, and thanks for coming down to the Kritter Koffeehouse today to chat it up with me.  It is fun to have a Linked In friend come down and see us!  Waggy, this is a great opportunity for my furry friends and their parents to get to know you better.  Let’s start off by talking about your very charming name; what exactly does it stand for and what is the history?

WAGGY’S: Hi Madi.  First of all, I’d like to thank you for having me here today.  I’m very excited to talk to you and your followers.  The name Waggy’s came from my name.  My last name is Wagner and when I wanted to open my own pet sitting business, there was no question that it would be called Waggy’s Pet Sitting.  Also, years before my business, our email address already had Waggy in it, so it was fate.  Thank you, I’m always up for new challenges and just kind of decided that I wanted to open an online store. When I was searching the internet for products, it was evident that I was attracted to natural, eco friendly products, however not all of my products are eco friendly.

I also noticed that I was draw to small, mom and pop businesses that were trying to make their way in the world.  I truly believe that small businesses are the cornerstone of this country and think we should stick together.  In that same vein, I decided to only offer products that are entirely made in the USA.

We offer leashes, collars, hand painted bowls, treat jars and urns, dog clothes, treats, cat and dog toys, all kinds of grooming products, aromatherapy/essential oils, dog and cat eco beds and more.

I dedicated Waggy’s Eco Pet Products to my father.  He was from a small town in Southern Italy (tip of the boot) and was recycling long before it became fashionable.  He always tried to fix something before going to buy something new.  A lot of it stemmed from meager beginnings and not wanting to be wasteful.  All of that has definitely rubbed off on me.  My husband calls me Vincentio after my father when I’m trying to fix something beyond repair.

Two of my favorite items right now are the Hurley dog toy and a hands free leash.  Not only has the Hurley been around the house for the dogs to play with for a long time, and it still look new, but they float!  In the Summer, I throw them in the pool and the dogs have a great time fetching them.

Another product is the hands free leash.  It’s comfortable and it’s like you’re not even walking a dog.  The waistband has a place to put your phone, doggie bags  or money.  However, if your a smaller person and have a huge dog that pulls, this may not be for you.  I’m 5′8″ and can walk more than one dog on this leash with comfort and when it’s cold, both hands can be in my pockets!

MADI: Do you spend most of your time working at your store or pet sitting?

WAGGY’S: During the busy times for pet sitting, I probably spend more time with the dogs.  We just ended the Christmas/New Year’s season.  I board dogs in my home and have sitters that work for me, so the bulk of my time is tending to the business.  It’s hard to spend time on the computer when you have those cute faces looking at you for attention.  Luckily, I live across the street from a dog park, so it makes it easy to give them lots of exercise.  The time I spend on the store is mostly social media and blogging which is very new to me and there’s a lot to learn!  My favorite times are snuggling with the dogs – I’m a big nurturer.

MADI: When you pet sit, are you usually taking care of cats or dogs or is it an equal mix?

WAGGY’S: Dogs for sure, Waggy’s specializes in boarding in a private family home.  We do go to the client’s homes especially for cats, but it’s not the main stay of our business.  My clients love knowing that their dogs are staying with a family cage free.  It greatly reduces their stress while they’re away and that’s what it’s all about!

I have to tell you Madi that I was originally only a dog person, but since I’ve been pet sitting, I’ve grown to really like cats and might even consider having one in the future.

Madi: Oh that is good!  Felines are quite different and more superior than dogs *paw over mouth* oops, did I say that out loud???  I didn’t mean it, I have lots of doggy friends especially on Twitter.  Hee hee, I like to tease.  But in all seriousness, we own you…… it just is what it is……

Besides your websites, do you use other Social Media channels like Facebook or Twitter?    Blog?

WAGGY’S: Yes, I just started blogging which has been a big hurdle for me to get over.  I’m not really a writer, but I try to bring good information that I think pet lovers will find useful.  I blog about pet info, my products and about the pet sitting business.  It’s a mixed bag, but it’s all about the pets!  I ‘m also on Twitter, and have a Fanpage for my store for updates on products, pet info and specials.  I finally am getting the hang of this social media world.  I’d love to have new friends to get to know.  If you like, you can follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/chrislwagner, join my Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/waggyspetproducts, or read my blog at http://www.waggyspettipsandtales.  I’d love to see pictures of your pets and comments.

MADI: Waggy, do you have pets of your own?  If yes, tell us about them.

WAGGY’S: I did have a Cocker Spaniel named Nikki, however she died in August of 2009.  She was almost 16 years old.  I often call her my first born because we got her before my first son was born.  She was the greatest dog in the world and we all miss her presence around the house.  She was feisty, beautiful and fun.  Whenever I had a consultation with a new client and their dog, she would chase them around to show them who’s boss.  I had Rotts and German Shepherds that would be afraid of her and walk the other way when she was around.  She really ruled the roost around here!  But as time went on, she lost a lot of that vigor.  I hope he’s waiting for me by the Rainbow Bridge.

MADI: Oh no!  I am sorry to hear about Nikki and I have no doubt she is waiting for your by the Rainbow Bridge…. tail a wagging and everything!

Well Waggy’s,  I have taken up a great deal of your time and I just want to say thank you so very very much for interviewing with me.  It has been a lot of fun getting to know you better.  It has been great fun learning more about you and the businesses you manage.  Thank you again!!!

WAGGY’S: Thanks again Madi.  It’s been so fun taking with you and look forward to hearing from you and meeting new friends.

-Madi The Cat

***Interview with Maui***

Interview with Maui

January 9, 2010

Hosted by:  Madi, The Cat

Kritters That Twitter

MADI: Hi Maui, and thanks for coming down to the Kritter Koffeehouse today to chat it up with me.

So Maui, I know you from Twitter….. as @luv_mydachshund.  Thank Cat for Twitter and all the wonderful animals I have had a chance to get to know.  With only 140 words per tweet though, it is amazing how tweeps might know about each other!  This is an opportunity for the other Kritters that Twitter to get to know you better.

Before we get started, would you care for a toy to nom on from our toy basket, or maybe a fresh bowl of water?

DuraPet No-Tip Medium

MAUI: Ah, twank you…I’d love to nom on a toy, I love toys. Happy New Year to you too

***MADI PULLS OUT A BALL FROM THE KRITTER KOFFEE HOUSE’S TOY BOX ……………..

AND BOUNCES IT OVER TO MAUI***

MADI: So tell me about yourself…… where do you live?  Do you have any sisters and brothers?  Are you in your forever home and if so how did you get there?

MAUI: My name is Maui but my parents sometimes call me Mauita Maria and I’m a mini dachshund. I just turned one years old back in November. I found my forever home almost a year ago and so happy!  I have one brother, Toby, and one sister, Sophie, who are both mini dachshunds too! Everyone always asks us if we are all really related but we are not. I love my brother and sister very much though but I’m the baby of the family and I get ALL of the attention and my way all the time!

We just recently moved from Las Vegas, NV to Tacoma, WA and it was a very long drive for me.  I enjoyed the car ride but I couldn’t wait to be able to run free.

I love running in the backyard we have now and it is much cooler here in WA for me.

MADI: Oh MY!  Your brother and sister are ADORABLE too!  What cutie pies.  I understand about wanting to be outside.  We use an Outdoor Pet Enclosure at home and even when we travel because it is collapsible.  But when we go to see the vet mama puts us in a carrying case that works great for the short drive.  Your yard sounds fantastic; you must love to run, run, run, run!  You guys must want to collapse in a nice comfy bed when you are finished running!

So Maui, When did you start to Twitter and how do you like it?  My sister Abi and I see you on Twitter regularly.  What do you like most about Twitter and how often do you like to tweet?  Do your siblings tweet too?

MAUI: I started a few days after I turned one years old in November. I thought I was finally old enough to start tweeting and I kept hearing people talk about it. I love being on twitter and have met so many wonderful people through tweeting. I love how you can find out news, new products (The Kritter Kondo) and chit chat with people around the world on there. I sometimes let my siblings tweet but I like it the most! I’m always on there and they sometimes bother me to get off and play with them as they don’t understand how much fun it can be!

MADI: Are you on Facebook or My Space or do you have a Blog you would like to share with us?

MAUI: Since I’m so little I’m starting small and learning my way with all these cool places to connect with others…I’m looking into starting a blog but haven’t started yet, I’ve enjoyed reading others so far and have sooooo much to learn! You know, I should start a Facebook & MySpace page too because I could meet even more cool friends that way and I’m always hearing about those places too! 

MADI: Well, you know if you ever need help with a Blog our friend Mike over at PetWebDesign can help you out.

So when you are not using Twitter and Social Media what other things do you like to do?  Any favorite toys you have?

MAUI: I love to sleep and need my naps or I get cranky. I love to get all curled up inside blankets and pillows while I sleep so I can be all warm.

Also since moving to WA I love running laps around the big tree in the backyard but I’m still learning to adjust to all the rain here. I don’t like to get my paws wet and mommy and daddy make me go outside even though I don’t want to! I’m so lucky to have moved to WA though because now I get to see my grandma & grandpa all the time too and they bring me treats and toys. I love toys very much but I love to chew them up and sometimes my brother and sister take them away from me too. Mommy and daddy have to buy 3 of everything, hehehehe.

MADI: Maui, tell me about some of your favorite toys; I see in this picture you have a cute little frog you are nomming on.   Is this your favorite to?  What is his name?

MAUI: Oh, yes, that is my new toy and I LOVE it! It is a froggie that mommy puts on her hand but she doesn’t let me play with it that much because I want to chew it up! It’s name is froggie and mommy got it in the mail from a friend.

MADI: Well Maui,  I have taken up a great deal of your time and I just want to say thank you so very very much for interviewing with me.  It has been a lot of fun getting to know you better.  I love tweeting with you and am so glad to be one of your Followers!  Please take this delicious Coffee and Chocolate home for your Mommy to thank her for letting you come over today.  *nosetaps*

MAUI: Twank you so much! I’m glad I was able to share more about me instead of just in 140 characters. That can be so difficult sometimes. It was my pleasure and one day I hope my mommy and daddy will get me one the great Kritter Kondos.

-Madi The Cat

Hang out in the Kritter Koffeehouse and read all about *HOLLIE* from Twitter

Interview with Hollie

January 2, 2010

Hosted by:  Madi, The Cat

Kritters That Twitter

The lovely Hollie

MADI: Hi Hollie, and thanks for coming down to the Kritter Koffeehouse today to chat it up with me.  You are our first interview for the New Year 2010; Happy New Year to you my furry friend, and may it be a time filled with happiness, peace, friends and family.

So Hollie, I know you from Twitter….. Thank Cat for Twitter and all the wonderful animals I have had a chance to get to know.  With only 140 words per tweet though, it is amazing how tweeps might know about each other!  This is an opportunity for the other Kritters that Twitter to get to know you better.

Before we get started, would you care for a toy to nom on from our toy basket, or maybe a fresh bowl of water?

HOLLIE: HI Madi, it is my pleasure to come down to Kritter Koffeehouse today…it is honor to be first interview for New year 2010….Happy new year to you and hope it is filled with love, happiness, peace and lot of friends and fambly.

OMC, fank you, was not expecting to play wif toys for interview…MOL…Oh a catnip toy be nices. Fank you so very muches.

*Hands Hollie a Crinkle Toy that Santa Paws brought from CatToys.com

MADI: So tell me about yourself…… where do you live?  Do you have any sisters and brothers?  Are you in your forever home and if so how did you get there?

HOLLIE: I live in Banacouber, BC. I was born outside and I am almost 13 years old. I was name after my mama. Her name is Hollie. When I was a kitten, sumting happen to my mama and my brofurs and sisters, I was only one who was survives. I lived outside on the streets for almost 2 years. During that time, I met some handsome mancats, I became pregnant and they take offs. PFFFFT… I came across a place in the country and they seemed like nice humans. They had a an older dog and a older cat (both who passed shortly after me got there) anyways, looking in at these humans, they look very kind, so I decided I would have my babies theres, and decides they be my new mama and my daddy. I still though wanted to live outside at first, as I had never been in a house inside. It took 2 mths to get me to come inside the house. My babies are now with good friends of theres, tho I still miss them so, that is when they adopted 5 to keep me frum being lonely. So, now I live in my forever home now wif 5 adopted wee ones. They range in age frum 10, 4, and 2. I am only mama they ever noes. We split our time between a condo in Kitsilano, Banacouber and a place the place in the country.

MADI: Wow!  You are so lucky to have all those places to visit with all those siblings!  How fun!!!

So tell us about your experience with Twitter….  When did you start to Tweet and how do you like it?  My sister Abi and I see you on Twitter regularly.  What do you like most about Twitter and how often do you like to tweet?  Do your siblings tweet to?

HOLLIE: I started on twitter awhile ago – last year, but couldn’t quite figure it out. Then I became friends with a few kittehs, and it went frum there, I also friends wif a few humans and doggies.. I have made so many good friends here and they noes who they are…sumtime we stay up all nite and we sleep for 5 min, OMC….MOL..As for My babies no tweet, they keep busy enuf running around after each other, MOL.

MADI: How about the other Social Media Outlets, are you on Facebook or My Space or do you have a Blog you would like to share with us?

HOLLIE: I did use Facebook and Myspace, in the past, but now never use it. I only go on Twitter, as Facebook and Myspace too slow. I not too swift with puters, so no haven’t got the Blog running yet.

MADI: Well, if you have need help creating a Blog, Mike over at PetWebDesigner can help.  So when you are not using Twitter and Social Media what other things do you like to do?  Any favorite toys you have?

HOLLIE: I loves to nap in front of our fire, or go out to the place in the country. I used to still go outside, but in fall 2004, I got into fight wif big tabby and injure sum of my ear. My fave toys are catnip toys. A dear friend of mine got me a big catnip toy for christmouse, and he also did get me mices, pawbreaker and a stinky toy.I plays wif those everyday. Then our mamas and daddy exchange the gifts too, it did mean so much to all of our fambly. I also receive a beautiful cat figurine, I no play wif, but I loves to look at it. My partner in crime did give this to me…BOL.

MADI: Hollie, it being the New Year and all…. Sometimes kitties make resolutions to help them work towards being better cats.  One of mine is AVOID GROOMING MYSELF WHEN MOMMY HAS COMPANY. Do you have any New Year Resolutions for 2010?

HOLLIE: well whenever my mama and daddy are eating, I has a habit of knocking the food wif fork in hand to floor so I can have sum for myself. If I has to make any resolution, I guesses that be it…

MADI: Hee Hee, that one will make your Mommy happier -I am sure.

Well Hollie,  I have taken up a great deal of your time and I just want to say thank you so very very much for interviewing with me.  It has been a lot of fun getting to know you better.  I love tweeting with you and am so glad to be one of your Followers!

HOLLIE: Fank you so much for taking time to interview silly ol me…MOL. I love tweeting wif you and Iz glad to be one of you followers. Fank you again for the lovely chocolates, for contest, Iz win.

-

This and other fine chocolate can be purchased through Britt

-Madi The Cat

Wags and Licks from Pink & Sion