Complete care for your aging cat
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Senior Cat Books: Double Giveaway

November 30, 2014 / 44 Comments
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senior cat care

Adopt a Senior Cat Month has come to an end but the message continues. Of the estimated 90 million cats in the U.S. 40% are considered seniors and they have special needs. I would know: Merlin, my 20-year-old cat and ASPCA poster boy is sitting on my lap as I write this, expecting extra attention. Cats are living longer than ever and yet older cats are the least likely to be adopted and most likely to be euthanized. The joys of senior cats are many but it’s up to us as responsible and informed pet owners to ensure their physical and emotional well being. Cats of all ages are notorious for hiding their symptoms. To love our cats is to know all about them. That means being education from reliable sources. Informative books are a good start.

Please note: No book is a substitute for veterinary care. When in doubt about your cat’s well being, please consult a veterinarian.

ASPCA Adopt a Senior Pet Twitter chat-#seniorpets

To celebrate responsible senior cat ownership we’re having a double senior cat book giveaway with two winners.

At the recent CWA (Cat Writers’ Association) conference in Atlanta, I picked up two books about senior cats. Both are excellent but different in their packaging and scope.

Complete Guide To Your Aging Cat by Amy Shojai was first published in 2003 but newly revised and released last month. Amy Shojai is the co-founder and past president of the CWA and a multi-award winning writer and pet expert. Her book about older cats is a thoughtful and clearly written A to Z on senior cat care from defining the aging process, quality of life to nutrition, environmental accommodations, health conditions, end of life options and choices. Included is a handy guide with additional resources. I can see this 320-page soft cover edition become a well loved and well thumbed addition to any cat lover’s library.

I asked Ms. Shojai what her biggest take-away message for readers of her book. She replied, “Old age” is not a disease. Today, many cats live happy, healthy lives into their late teens or even early twenties, and making environmental adjustments/accommodations help keep cats feeling youthful and engaged in life. It’s not “quantity of life” but “quality” of life that matters. Recognizing what is your cat’s individual “normal” means you can be alerted to problems as early as possible, address them with your vet and/or home nursing care.

Connect with Amy Shojai at her Website http://www.Shojai.com and blog: Bling, Bitches & Blood where two posts about senior pets include:

http://amyshojai.com/veteran-love-8-reasons-adopt-senior-cats-dogs/ http://amyshojai.com/senior-pets-cheap-diy-help-old-fogey-dogs-cats/

To purchase Complete Guide To Your Aging Cat, visit Amazon
Complete care for your aging cat

Everyone who attended the CWA awards dinner received two books from the Animal Planet Pet Care series of books. One of them was Senior Cats by CWA member and multi-award winning author Sheila Webster Boneham. The small 112-page hardcover book is a visual treat, jam-packed with gorgeous photography and nuggets of senior cat care. The topics touch on everything from signs of aging, nutrition, grooming, geriatric veterinary visits to hospice care and includes an appendix of resources. While not comprehensive, it provides enough valuable information as a primer. Especially useful are the quick “at a glance” pages on symptoms requiring veterinary visits and warning signs indicating disease.

I spoke to the author of Senior Cats recently and she said:

“Senior cats have a special dignity, and adopting an older adult may be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, and for many people, a smart choice. A senior is what she is – you can see whether she’s a big cat or small, vocal or quiet, longhaired or short. She is past the curtain-climbing crazies of kittenhood. She knows what life is about., and she needs you as much as you need her.”

Connect with Sheila Webster Boneham at her Website – www.sheilaboneham.com on Facebook – www.facebook.com/sheilawrites her Writers & Other Animals Blog – http://writersandotheranimals.blogspot.com/ and Facebook group – www.facebook.com/groups/writersandotheranimals or follow her Twitter – @SheilaBWrites To purchase Senior Cats visit Amazon where you can peek inside the pages.
Senior Cats book

 

Merlin gives a “Four Paws Up Rating” for both these senior cat books. To enter our giveaway, simply leave a comment, mentioning which book you would prefer to win. We will select at random a winner for a copy of each book. For extra chances to win, social media share this post and leave a separate comment mentioning where you shared. This giveaway is on until 11:59 pm ET, Dec. 14, 2014 and open to residents in the U.S. and Canada.

Disclaimer: We received complimentary copies of two books which no way influenced our opinions. At Cat Wisdom 101, we never accept fees for book review/reviews and only provide products we feel are of value and interest to our readers.

Our Mystical Cats Tarot Kit Giveaway really resonated with our readers but there could only be one winner. The lucky winner is Stacey Ward. Congratulations! Please look for an email from Cat Wisdom 101 requesting your shipping address.

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44 Comments

  • Alesha OL

    December 3, 2014 at 11:02 PM Reply

    I wouldn’t mind having either book. I have 5 meow sons that I have rescued and would love to read either to have as reference, as I am learning so much everyday.

  • Elizabeth Munroz

    December 2, 2014 at 4:29 AM Reply

    I had the special joy of adopting an elder cat. I searched him out because my 18 year old Calico was showing signs of loneliness after her kitty room mate passed away. It was hard to find a kitty as old as she. The shelters were calling five year old cats, “old”. Then, we had a forest fire nearby and Jeffrey, about 15 years was rescued. He was quite the survivor and only had some slightly singed fur and a broken tooth to show for it. Sadly, his people never called the shelter, and he had no chip or collar tag ID. Granted, Jeffery had some kidney issues, but he was purrfect to keep my lonesome girl company. He was such a mellow cat. When my Calico passed away a year later, Jeffery sat with her body for an hour before getting up and letting me be with her by myself. He lasted another six months.

  • Skeeter and Izzy

    December 1, 2014 at 1:29 PM Reply

    Thank you Layla for another great giveaway and more wonderful resourses to utilize!!!
    We would love either book but if we must pick we would like “Complete Guide To Your Aging Cat” by Amy Shojai.

    Thanks again!!!
    Luvs
    Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo >^..^<

  • Elaine Hutzelman

    December 1, 2014 at 2:36 AM Reply

    I recently lost a senior Siamese who was 16. He was in good health kidney/heart/etc. wise, but suffered from severe arthritis in all legs. We tried Onsior, Adequan injections every 2 weeks, Gabapentin, and the last 2 weeks of his life, he received a controlled substance, but he was still in pain. He would still try to climb the stairs with a sock catnip for me in his mouth so he could be with me while I was on the computer. You could see how painful it was for him. He was cared for by a board certified feline vet his entire life, who co- authored a pamphlet on senior care. I still have an 8 year old, so need to know whatever it is I don’t yet know about aging in cats. Either of these books would be appreciated.

  • Deztinee High

    December 1, 2014 at 2:18 AM Reply

    Oh wow Mommy weally needs those . Sis Lexi be gettin’ on up there and mommy’s never had a furbaby hers age, much less older. Weez wuld be happy wiff boff purrawlly but da complete care book looks weally good. Fanks fur da giv away.

    Luv ya’

    Dezi and Lexi

  • Dee W

    November 30, 2014 at 10:30 PM Reply

    I would love to win a copy of the Complete Care For Your Aging Cat book. My kitty is going on 18 years old and I always tell him we are growing old together.

  • Nancy Smith

    November 30, 2014 at 6:09 PM Reply

    As I said when I shared on Facebook my 16 year old Sophie is a testament to how much energy an older cat can have. I also have a 10 year old, Cruiser.

  • Susan M.

    November 30, 2014 at 3:19 PM Reply

    I would to win a copy of “Complete care for your aging cat.” My sweet kitty, Malibu passed this last Sept. At the age of 21 years old.

  • Sue Brandes

    November 30, 2014 at 1:58 PM Reply

    Complete Care For Your Aging Cat by Amy Shojai or either book really. They both sound good. Senior cats are wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Sue B

  • Marla

    November 30, 2014 at 1:51 PM Reply

    Nice giveaways. I would love to win “Complete Care for your Aging Cat”. My cat was 20.5 yrs. young when she passed away in 2013 and this book would have been something good to have around. I have friends with cats who I know would love this as a gift.

  • Skeeter and Izzy

    November 30, 2014 at 10:07 AM Reply

    Both of these books sound wonderful! If we must choose one we pick “Complete Care For Your Aging Cat” by Amy Shojai.
    Thank you Layla for more wonderful info and resources and another fab giveaway!!!
    Luvs
    Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo >^oo^<

  • Skeeter and Izzy

    November 30, 2014 at 9:55 AM Reply

    Both of these books sound wonderful! If we must pick we chose “Complete Care For Your Aging Cat” by Amy Shojai.
    Thank you for more wonderful info and another fab give away!!
    Luvs
    Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo >^oo^<

  • Skeeter and Izzy

    November 30, 2014 at 9:50 AM Reply

    We love the sound of both of these wonderful books!! If we must pick we will pick “Complete Guide For Your Aging Cat” by Amy Shojai.
    Thank you for more wonderful info and another fab giveaway!!
    Luvs
    Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo >^oo^<

  • Skeeter and Izzy

    November 30, 2014 at 9:47 AM Reply

    We would be honored to win either book because they both sound wonderful in their own way. If we must pick we will pick “Complete Care For Your Aging Cat” by Amy Shojai.
    Thank you Layla for more fab info and wonderful giveaway!!
    Luvs
    Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo >^oo^<

  • Donna B.

    November 30, 2014 at 7:53 AM Reply

    I foster and I cat sit but I also have my own cat that is getting to be a senior. I am sure I could use the knowledge I would gain from these to books not only for my own cat but also those I foster and cat sit for.

  • Sammy

    November 30, 2014 at 5:45 AM Reply

    Well I think my Mom could use either of the books (!!!) but I think “Complete Care for Senior Cat” would be my first choice…….I’m about to turn 15 and intend to be here for a VERY long time to come so Mom will appreciate hearing all the scoop on keeping me happy. Right?

    Hugs, Sammy

  • Summer

    November 30, 2014 at 3:09 AM Reply

    I don’t know about senior cats being “dignified,” since that does not describe Boodie and especially not Binga and they are both seniors! But I do think they are awesome roommates and pals and the humans here adore them.

    BTW, I got your gift – thank you! I just got home from a cat show and am worn out, but I can’t wait to try it on tomorrow.

  • Sharon Smith

    November 30, 2014 at 2:46 AM Reply

    Most of my strays/adoptees never make it past 8, no doubt because of their earlier rough life. My first stray–a Halloween kitten in 1980–servived until 13. My current joy, a 1-year-old adoptee, is now 7 and just starting to show a bit of middle age spread. I want to keep him healthy and happy as long as I can.

  • Diane Clayton

    November 30, 2014 at 12:57 AM Reply

    Last month I adopted a 12-yr old cat from the Idaho Humane Society, and he is the most mellow, beautiful guy … and fit immediately into my menagerie of 5 cats (2 of them feral) and 3 mini-schnauzers. Then last week, a good friend died, and I took her cat … a gorgeous 11-year old, who had never been around any other animals. It’s taking time for him to adjust … but I haven’t given up!

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