LIFE WITH LYNN: NATIONAL CAT DAY

Today, October 29, is National Cat Day. It's a day to recognize and honor the wonderful and wacky feline members of our world.

Some fun CAT FACTS:

1. In North America, cats have become more popular as pets than dogs. Nearly 73 million cats are kept as household pets vs. 63 million dogs.
2. A cat can jump up to 5 times its height per jump.
3. Outdoor cats have a lifespan averaging only 3-5 years; indoor cats can live to 16, or more!
4. Cats are the mammals with the largest eyes.
5. Cats have 24 more bones than humans.
6. Cat's pregnancies last about 9 weeks. Most litters have 4-6 kittens.
7. Each side of a cat's face has 12 whiskers. Cats use their whiskers to measure openings, indicate mood, and for general navigation.
8. A fingerprint is to a human what a nose is to a cat.
9. Want to call a hairball by its scientific name? Next time, say the word "bezoar"! (As in, "Why yes, there's another BEZOAR on my bed!")
10. Cats sleep on the average of 16-18 hours a day. Of their time awake, approximately 1/3 of it is spent grooming themselves.

(Cat Facts from DID YOU KNOW...)

Here are a few ways to celebrate National Cat Day:
(Reprinted in part from Baxterboo.)

1. ADOPT A CAT. Do you have room in your home for a homeless kitty? Visit Petfinder.com to find available cats for adoption near you. If you can't adopt, encourage others to do so or sponsor one at a shelter. Consider fostering cats as an alternative to help several cats and kittens.

2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAT. If you are a cat guardian, guard them well with updated vaccines, quality food and yearly check ups. Also, if you haven't spayed or neutered the cats under your care (either house cats or feral) please do so to keep more cats from contributing to shelter populations.

3. PLAY WITH YOUR CAT. Cat behaviorists suggest playing with your cat at least 15 minutes a day for mental and physical exercise. This keeps cats in shape and emotionally well balanced. It can reverse problem behaviors! This is particularly important for indoor cats and cats that used to be outdoor cats. Cats need to experience the daily "hunt" to feel all catty inside. This includes stalking, catching and "killing" a cat toy. This technique is best created with fishing pole type toys. Well-exercised cats are less likely to exhibit behaviors that get them sent to shelters.

4. DONATE TO YOUR FAVORITE SHELTER. Cats and cat shelters have it rough. Because of severe cat overpopulation, nearly 7 out of 10 cats in shelters are euthanized. Consider getting involved by volunteering your time and money at your local shelter where your resources can really make a difference.

My husband and I are happy and honored to share our lives with our two wonderful cats, Boo and Bentley. We love them so much! They make us laugh and smile every day. They also keep us humble. It's pretty hard to start thinking TOO MUCH of yourself when you live with cats!