Welcome to Aug/Sept 2011 edition of the Happy Cat Ezine   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENTS 1. New Cat Gallery Photos This Month 2. Competition 3. Byron and Shelley's Latest Diary Entry 4. Cat Poem - Goodbye Bill 5.. Article - Why re-homing from an animal Shelter is bets ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.New Cat Gallery Pages Lots more of your beautiful cats have been submitted to our cat photo gallery to see more visit the cat gallery . Enjoy. Don't forget to submit your cat to the cat gallery so that others can enjoy your cat as well. Click on their pictures to find out more about them.       Cosmo Nixon   Gracie Piglet and petal Sox Max Tiggeroo Denali Gilly Reg ----------------------------------------- 2. Competition Number Aug Sept 40 Here is the new Caption Competition. All you have to do is write a caption for this picture. . Simply send us your caption to go with this picture. Click here to submit Caption The deadline for this competition is Sept 25th. The best caption will be chosen and the winners name and caption will be posted on the www.our-happy-cat.com competition page. This month the prize for the competition is a copy of the Book "The Fanatic's Guide to Cats" by Roland Fiddy. A funny book of cat cartoons GOOD Luck       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Byron and Shelley's Latest Diary Entry Cat Diary July 28th 2011 - Update on Cats health Well what a few weeks we have had. I reported on July 8th that both our cats were sick and that we were going to take them to see the vet. well it turned out to be more serious than we first thought. the cats deteriorated over a period of four days, not eating, not drinking, limping and sleeping all the time. After three visits to the vets they were finally taken into a vet hospital because they were both severely dehydrated, both had very nasty mouth ulcers and Byron was jaundiced. Read the rest of the story here here I will be adding regular updates about them on the web site so keep an eye on your RSS feeds for those. Here is their page -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Cat Stories and Poems we like to encourage our visitors to the site to share their cat story or poetry with us here. we certainly enjoy reading your tales of rescue, joy and sadness too. So if you have a story or poem to tell us please let us know HERE This month we were sent a very moving poem about the loss of a cat. I warn you it is very sad but is beutifully writtena and so heart felt. i wanted to share it all with you   Goodbye Bill - A Cat Poem by Laura Baggio (Chicago, IL )   So innocent and tiny, if only I knew In those first few years you became a great friend You made me so happy, I didn't want it to end You made me forget that I was sad and alone You made my empty house feel like home Throughout every day you were right by my side Except when I vacuumed you'd run and hide I brushed you, petted you and bought all your favorite foods You loved me and sat by me in my darkest moods Sometimes I'd think you'd be around forever Other times I'd realize that's not very clever But I tried to forget this and enjoy each day So I'd hold you and kiss you and then we'd play Almost six years you were my sweet baby boy You weren't just a cat to me, a pet or a toy You taught me to appreciate the love that you gave All the sweet gestures, those memories I'll save Then there came a day when you were not quite yourself You were sad and withdrawn and not in good health So I made you a bed and laid by your side I kissed you and loved you and even cried It was terrible pain as the doctor said I had to do something but my brain felt like lead I couldn't stand thinking of a home without you But there weren't many options, what could I do? I held you and wept for you, even sang you a song I hope you're not angry, I meant no wrong You looked so peaceful, so still and asleep But I couldn't feel happy, my love was too deep I still think about you at least once a day I don't think I'll stop come what may I wrote this because even though we're apart You're still my sweet muffin and you're always in my heart Read more stories and poems here ______________________________________________ 5.. Article - Why Cat Rescue Centres Are The Best Places For Cat Adoption Before you visit your local cat rescue centre there are many things to consider first. It’s all too easy to fall in love with a cute furry ball of fun, looking up at you with those big appealing eyes, and after all, sharing your life with our four legged friends is a very rewarding and life enhancing experience. Ask yourself why you really want a pet and are you prepared for the costs involved and to look after it for many years. Things to consider before adopting a pet from a cat rescue centre. Are you prepared to look after your cat for the whole of it’s life? A cats life span is usually between 12- 15 years but it is possible for cats to live as long as 20 years. Do you have the time to give your furry friend the attention they need? Cats need to be fed regularly and their litter box to be clean. They also require companionship and play time just like the rest of us. Can you afford to look after a cat? It can be quite expensive to take care of your pet properly. There are various essential medical bills such as neutering ad vaccinations, plus any other medical treatment they may require throughout their lives. What about grooming, toys, food, cattery fees, litter. The costs soon add up. Are you a tolerant person? Will you be able to cope with little problems that owning a cat might throw at you, such as cat fleas and urinating problems. Not to mention the odd piece of furniture becoming their favourite scratching post. Is your home suitable for a cat? If rented is a pet allowed? Can the cat go outside and if so is there a busy road? Do you have very young children? Often cat rescue centres may suggest that you put off having a pet until children are at least 5 years old. This will stop any jealousies which may occur and also you will not be stretched as to who you spend the most time with. It is very important that you are sure about your reasons for adopting a cat and that you can answer all of the above questions easily. Unfortunately cat rescue centres are full of cats and kittens who’s owners hadn’t thought things through properly. Read the rest of this article here