The Tabby Cat

A tabby is any domestic cat that has a coat featuring distinctive stripes, dots, lines or swirling patterns, usually together with a mark resembling an 'M' on its forehead. Tabbies are sometimes erroneously assumed to be a cat breed. In fact, the tabby pattern is found in many breeds, as well as among the general mixed-breed population. The tabby pattern is a naturally occurring feature that may be related to the coloration of the domestic cat's direct ancestor, the African wildcat, which (along with the European wildcat and Asiatic wildcat) has a similar coloration. -WIKIPEDIA

Tabby Cat Fur Patterns
Mackerel
Classic
Ticked
Spotted

Notable Tabby Cats
Garfield
Freya
Think-Think
Bill
the Ithaca Kitty

I frankly absolutely love the tabby cat coat pattern and have two tabby kitty's myself. Lilly the tabby DSH and Tilly the Main Coon Mix. Yay for Tabbies. Adopt a tabby from a shelter today :)

Find a Good Pet Sitter for the Holidays

Here are some things to look for when finding a holiday pet sitter.
Overall appearance and personality.
Listens and takes direction well.
Asks questions.
Can read and follow a schedule.
Must like animals (obviously).
Experience with animals.
Credentials and certifications (pet CPR, pet sitting, veterinarian assistant, etc.
Time-management skills.
Good references.
Look for these things and good luck on finding a awesome pet sitter =)

Winter Pet Woes

Its cold outside keep your pet warm by keeping them indoors.
Keep outside pets sheltered with warm bedding and a insulated shelter and access to unfrozen water.
Feed your pets some extra calories especially if they are outside a majority of the time.
Check paws, ears and tails daily to make sure no signs of frost bite.
If its a blizzard please just bring your pets inside or at the very lease a insulated barn of sorts.
Watch out for salt and other de-icers. If suspected always wash off immediately.
Check your car and make sure no stray animals are under or in your car.
If you have a short hair pet consider a doggy coat maybe?
Booties are always a good idea to avoid snow and ice incrusted paws.
Shovel snow and make paths for you and your pets.
Give your pet the gift of a warm place to sleep and lots of cuddles :)

It's windy out there! Be safe!

Keep your pet close and on a leash if outside.
If a hurricane or tornado is imminent keep away from windows.
Stay inside or seek shelter if the winds get to gusty.
Listen to the news or radio to know weather patterns and preplan outings.

Keep your pets and kids safe during a storm

Deafening booms of thunder and blinding flashes of lightning can often feel like a scene straight out of a scary movie for your kids and pets. Even wind that causes a branch to tap against a window can instill fear in those who aren’t able to understand the ways of Mother Nature! To avoid the panic and fright brought on by this year’s storm season, check out these tips to help make your kids and pets feel safe.

KIDS

• Implement a safety plan for weather emergencies that everyone is familiar with. Have a cozy space picked out with the emergency supply kit there.
• Limit TV and scary movies. Avoid news coverage as they will always show the most severe storm damage.
• Remain calm. Your children will follow your lead, so let them know that you feel safe.
• Make a game out of it. For example, a player could "get points" each time there is thunder.

PETS

• Practice positive reinforcement, to encourage your pet to not act out.
• Play calming music to drown out the thunder claps.
• Keep the pet with you.
• Provide a safe indoor area, such as a crate, but leave the door open so the pet doesn't feel trapped.

BOTH

• Provide distractions. Create a “storm fun kit” that you bring out only during storms. Include human and pet games, snacks/treats, flashlights, etc.
• Cover windows so that neither kids nor pets can see the turmoil outside.