Every animal lover has an opinion on what's the best look for a cat. Some love calicoes; others like the ever-formal appearance of black-and-white tuxedo cats. Some melt for cats who are sleek and small; others go for the big and fluffy.
I'm in the latter category. When it comes to cats, the ones I like best are what I call the "hunka cats," as in, isn't that a big hunk of cat? Which is one of the reasons I adore Manny.
My friend Ben sent me pictures of Manny for use in a book I was writing. I thought the pictures were wonderful, but the publisher didn't have room. So they came back to me. Try as I might, I don't seem to be able to put them in the mail to Ben. They've been on my desk for days now, and instead of looking for an envelope, I seem to be looking for frames.
I want that cat. And if I can't have him, I want to keep the pictures.
Yes, it's true: I covet my friend's cat. But Manny ... if you knew him, you'd understand.
First, there's the whole issue of beauty. I do think every cat is beautiful, in the way that every horse is beautiful. Both animals are designed in a way that's especially appealing to our sense of aesthetics. They are living artwork, inspiring sighs from admirers for their grace and the slight air of mystery that surrounds them.
Yes, every cat is beautiful, but Manny stands out even among the most beautiful. He's a big cat, to be sure, with the looks of a Maine coon and the rump of a Manx. His fur is medium length and very thick, dark gray-brown with perfect black tabby markings. He has a white chin bib and four perfect white mittens. Down his nose, a slightly asymmetrical strip of white adds character to his face.
Manny is not just a pretty face, though. He is the essence of cool, a classic case of the cat who when called will take a message and get back to you at his leisure. Manny does what he wants when he wants to, and doesn't care in the slightest that your plans might not mesh with his. Any cool cat knows such disagreements are your problem, not his, and they don't come much cooler than Manny.
The cat is the first of two pets my friend adopted; the dog Chula was added with neither Manny's permission nor his approval. The big, bouncy pup was not what Manny would have chosen for a housemate, and he voiced his disapproval by moving in with a neighbor for a while. He didn't ask for her permission: Being Manny was permission enough. The neighbor knew it, too, so she fed him.
He still eats there from time to time, just to keep his options open, but in the end he forgave Ben, accepted Chula and came home.
And that's the thing I like most about Manny: Above all, he's generous, accepting and loving. He is, in all ways, one heck of a cat.
Manny won't be mine, no matter how much I covet him. The cat makes his own decisions, and he has thrown in his lot with Ben and Chula. I wouldn't even dream of asking Ben for the cat, because the decision isn't ours to make. We are mere humans, not fit to decide for the likes of Manny. He knows it, and I know it, too. So I will just admire him from afar.
Those pictures, though, aren't going back anytime soon. I've decided the only thing to do is make copies. It's as close as I'll get to sharing my life with Manny, but it's just going to have to do.
PETS ON THE WEB
With the holidays fast approaching, people are already planning their holiday air travel, and for many, that travel will include pets. The American Kennel Club has put together a helpful list of the airlines and their pet policies (www.akc.org/love/dip/legislat/airline_petpolicies.cfm), which should help. The information is a great start, but remember: You'll still need to check with the airlines directly, because different rules apply depending on weather conditions.
THE SCOOP
If you're planning on traveling without your pets during the holiday season, you'd better hurry up and arrange for pet-sitting or boarding. In some cases, you may already be too late. The year-end holidays are peak times for boarding kennels and pet-sitting services, and openings go quickly. If you can't get a reservation, ask to be informed of a cancellation and start making backup plans. Your veterinarian may offer boarding, or a friend or neighbor may be willing to help out.
QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK
Q: Will you offer a warning to people that Thanksgiving leftovers aren't good for pets? Last year we spent the holiday at the emergency vet's, after our shih tzu, Mitzi, got really sick. She lived (the vet said Mitzi was lucky), and the vet's bill was a killer. We won't be giving her table scraps from the turkey this year, that's for sure. -- G.P., via e-mail
A: We all know how it goes at the holidays with delicious food and begging pets. How can you resist slipping your pet a little something special -- a big piece of turkey skin, a handful of chips with dip, some slices of salami? But resist you must, or your pet could end up the same place Mitzi did: at the emergency veterinary clinic.
Foods too rich, too fatty or too spicy -- or anything your pet's not accustomed to -- can trigger a bout of intestinal upset. For some animals, these foods can trigger a lethal inflammation of the pancreas or intestine.
What to avoid? Use common sense. While a little bit of lean meat won't hurt dogs, cats or parrots (and would be appreciated), steer clear of the fatty parts and the poultry skin, which also harbors fat. And don't forget that some foods ARE great for sharing: Be sure to share bits of carrots or other vegetables you may be chopping up with any pet who'll appreciate it, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats or mice.
Poultry bones may seem like the perfect gift for the dog who has everything, but do your pet a favor and save them for the soup. (Broth is a wonderful treat over regular kibble.) Even the largest cooked turkey bones are prone to splinter, sending shards through the animal's intestines. Should one pierce through the lining, the result can be deadly peritonitis.
No one is saying your pet shouldn't enjoy a holiday meal too, but limiting the kind and amount of special food will ensure that it is a treat -- not a trouble.
And don't forget to be careful about the trash. The juice-saturated strings used to hold together turkeys or roast may be irresistible to your cat. Once the string gets into your pet's intestines, though, surgery to remove it may be needed to save your cat's life.
Q: I am the owner of eight pit bulls in beautiful Hawaii. The oldest of my dogs, Kane (which means "man" in Hawaiian), is about 15 years old and is rapidly losing strength in his rear legs. I've seen rear wheels being used with other animals, and wonder if you could tell me where I may acquire a set? -- J.P., via e-mail
A: I've known a handful of dogs whose owners have outfitted them with wheels, including one little Dachshund mix who lived happily for years.
A cart is definitely an option worth considering if your dog's front legs are strong enough to pull his weight. You must also determine your own commitment, since caring for a disabled pet requires more time and effort on the part of a pet lover.
The K9 Cart Co. has been making pet wheels for 30 years. The carts are made of stainless steel and aluminum, with padding where they are fitted to the pet. Prices range from $220 to $430, depending on the size of the pet and the accessories ordered.
For more information, call the company at (800) 578-6960, or visit its Web site at www.k9carts.com. The Web site includes tips on evaluating your pet to determine if a cart is suitable (some pets won't tolerate them), as well as resources and support for living with a pet whose mobility has been limited.
Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com.
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