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originally uploaded by StephenFalken.

Jasper has been cranky and I have been busy, so this week’s Caturday is another kitty. Love this pic another photog on Flickr shot.

Jasper has been surprisingly aggressive of late: first his pupils get very large, then he might growl, and then he bites. Hard. I was concerned that this might mean something serious, a problem in his brain or something. This just was not like Jasper, normally an affectionate and sweet cat.

I spoke about this new aggression with the vet this afternoon when I called to schedule an appointment for his vaccinations and she asked his age. I told her that he was 6 1/2 and she said that when cats get older (usually somewhere between 5 and 7) they become very rambunctious or aggressive. So it would seem Jasper has basically hit feline puberty. Oh yay.

The vet is coming by to give Jasper his vaccinations and to discuss weight loss options for him a week from tomorrow. She says we can discuss ways to nip his aggression in the bud so I do not have to simply endure it until his puberty has passed by. It will be nice to not fear for my flesh’s safety and to have my sweet Jasper back. :)

Oh and yes I did in fact find a vet who makes home visits. If you are in the St. Louis area and want her info, contact me.

Yesterday was National Feral Cat Day.  St. Louis has a large feral cat population and I would imagine that the rest of the country has the same issue.  Please consider these animals, keep an eye out for them, as the weather changes.  With the cold weather coming soon, I would like to share some tips for helping the feral cat population to survive a crisp fall and bitter winter:

• Put out water in wide and deep dishes in the alleyway (wide and deep dishes will take longer to freeze).  Provide water consistently.
• Honk your horn before you start the engine, or bang on the hood, to ensure a cat has not curled up in your engine to stay warm.
• Support legislation that mandates adding a bitter agent to antifreeze (those on the market tastes sweet to cats) so that cats do not drink it and die.
• Provide dry and warm shelters for feral cats in your neighborhood – you can learn how to build one here.
• Set up feeding stations for the cats, away from activity (feral cats are often skittish), out of sight, and ideally a spot only known to you.
• If you have the time and are willing to make the effort, trap, neuter, and release helps to keep the feral cat population manageable.  Many communities have organizations that can be valuable resources.

(Most tips above are inspired by the Alley Cat Allies newsletter).

“Another Caturday picture, really?”

My sweet Jasper is not here right now.  He is spending some quality time with his daddy and his “little brothers,” the pups.  It is strange to be home without his loving and sweet presence.