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It's Kitty Q&A time! How do you know when your cats are playing or fighting? That's the question I received from Rebecca this week when I posted a video of my 4-year-old cat Johnny Storm "roughhousing" for the first time with our 8-month-old kitten, Giles. It's such a great question. Even as an experienced cat enthusiast and your Kitty Correspondent, I have to watch my cats' behavior closely to be sure! Let's dig into how to tell the difference! Signs of Cats Playing: Body Language: When cats are playing, their body language is usually relaxed and playful. They may have a loose posture, with their tails held high or twitching in excitement. Vocalizations: Playful cats often make chirping or trilling sounds, which are friendly and non-threatening vocalizations. Paw Movements: During play, cats may engage in gentle swatting or batting at each other without causing harm. Their claws are usually retracted during play. Pouncing: Cats may take turns pouncing on each other or engaging in chase games, showing a back-and-forth dynamic. Signs of Cats Fighting: Body Language: When cats are fighting, their body language becomes tense and aggressive. They may puff up their fur, arch their backs, and hiss or growl at each other. Vocalizations: Fighting cats often make loud, intense yowling or hissing sounds, indicating distress or aggression. Paw Movements: During a fight, cats may use their claws and teeth aggressively, causing harm to each other. Their movements are swift and purposeful. Chasing: In a fight, one cat may chase another with the intent to harm, rather than engaging in playful chasing behavior. Tips for Differentiating Between Play and Fight: Observe Body Language: Pay attention to the overall body language of the cats. Relaxed and playful postures indicate play, while tense and aggressive postures suggest a fight. Listen to Vocalizations: Friendly chirping or trilling sounds are associated with play, while loud yowling or hissing signals a fight. Monitor Paw Movements: Gentle swatting and batting without claws extended are typical during play, while aggressive clawing and biting are signs of a fight. Watch for Pouncing: Playful pouncing involves back-and-forth interactions, while aggressive chasing with intent to harm indicates a fight. By understanding these cues and behaviors, you can better interpret your cats' interactions and intervene if necessary to ensure their safety and well-being. Remember, cats, like humans, have their ways of communicating, and being attuned to their signals can help foster a harmonious environment for your feline companions. So, the next time you see your cats engaging in playful activities, take a moment to observe their behavior and appreciate the joy they bring. And if you notice signs of potential conflict, step in to redirect their energy or provide separate spaces for them to cool off. Happy cat watching! Want to know more about cats AND hang out with some cool cats? Join me for a LIVE Kitty Q&A as I take my new podcast, The Cat Conversation on the road! This live podcast event will include an hour with the adorable, adoptable cats waiting for homes at the Smitten Kitten Cafe on May 11th. Get your tickets at smittenkittencatcafe.com and immerse yourself in a world of feline fun and knowledge. Let's celebrate our love for cats together! Want to talk more about cat behavior? Follow me on your favorite social media by clicking here and join my Facebook group, KJ's Cat Club and submit your question. It could be featured on an upcoming Pet Pals TV!

You've seen Cats Haven featured on Pet Pals TV! Now, they need your help! Cats Haven, Indy's longest running no-kill shelter for cats, has announced their first Cram the Van event for 2024! You can join Cats Haven on Saturday, April 20th, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Pet Supplies Plus, 2238 E 62nd Street. Help cram the van with much-needed supplies to support the furry friends in their care. Items Needed: Scoopable cat litter White vinegar Trash bags (large and kitchen size) Churros or any kind of lickable treats Laundry supplies (detergent, sanitizer, etc.) Gift cards (Walmart, Kroger, Menards, Meijer, Visa/MasterCard) You don't have to purchase any items at Pet Supplies Plus; simply swing by and drop off whatever you want to donate. And don't forget to say "Hey" to Barb while you're there! If you have any questions, feel free to call the shelter at 317-925-7001. Visit catshaven.org/sponsor/ to find out how you can sponsor one of their long term resident cats. Check out the amazing work that Cats Haven does for special needs and senior cats in this Pet Pals TV story below. You'll definitely want to help them cram the van!

Roo is an adult female domestic shorthair who is super sweet and loves to be petted. She also loves her kitty toys and enjoys lounging around and taking naps in the sun. Roo is friendly, affectionate, playful, curious and funny. She would be good in a home with other cats, dogs and children. Her adoption fee of $40 covers spay, vaccines, worming, microchip and FIV/FeLV test. Roo would love for you to give her a forever home! She is available at the Madison County Humane Society, 2219 Crystal St., Anderson, IN 46015. For shelter hours and other information, call (765) 644-6484 or email info@mchsandersonin.org

It’s officially kitten season, and if you’re considering adopting a furry friend, why not make it a duo? Many people are unaware of the significant social benefits kittens under six months derive from being adopted in pairs, or placed in homes that already have a resident cat. Here’s a deeper dive into why adopting two kittens rather than one could be a rewarding decision for both you and your new pets. Why adopt two kittens? 1. Easier socialization and integration: Kittens learn crucial social skills from their interactions with each other, such as bite inhibition and how to communicate. If you start with two from the same litter, they’ve already formed a bond and understand how to coexist, making the integration into their new home smoother for everyone. 2. Twice the entertainment, half the effort: Having two kittens means they can keep each other company, reducing the chances of them getting lonely or bored, especially when you are not home. Watching two kittens play is not only heartwarming but downright entertaining. Plus, a pair of kittens will mentor each other through their formative months, learning together everything from using the litter box to mastering the fine art of the pounce. 3. Less work than you think: Contrary to popular belief, a second kitten doesn’t mean double the work. The workload per kitten actually decreases as they entertain and groom each other. This companionship is crucial in preventing future behavioral issues commonly seen in single kittens raised without feline companions. Educational play and companionship: During their early months, kittens are incredibly active and curious, making this a pivotal time for their development. When kittens play, their physical antics like stalking and leaping are actually life lessons. These activities teach them vital skills such as how to judge distances, develop balance, and interact socially. A kitten without a playmate might miss out on these lessons, which can lead to a less socially adept cat. Single kitten syndrome:It’s a real challenge that many new pet owners may not know about. Kittens adopted alone can often develop behavioral issues due to a lack of proper feline socialization. These can range from litter box mishaps to aggressive play. Cat behaviorists have found that kittens raised without other young cats often transfer playful biting behavior to humans, which can become problematic as they grow. The policy of pair adoption: Most cat rescues advocate strongly for adopting kittens in pairs, especially if there are no other young cats at home. This policy isn’t about placing more kittens per adoption; it’s focused on the kittens' long-term well-being, their social habits, and overall happiness. Many adopters who initially hesitated to take two kittens have later expressed gratitude, overwhelmed by the joy and dynamic that two feline friends bring into their lives. Consideration for potential adopters If adopting two kittens seems too much, consider adopting a young adult cat. These are often playful, engaging, and have already learned essential social behaviors from being around other cats. Remember, the difference between a kitten and a young adult cat is only a few months, but a happy, well-socialized cat can bring joy and companionship for many years. Conclusion: Adopting two kittens can enhance their lives and yours, providing endless entertainment, reduced behavioral problems, and a fuller, richer feline family. If you’re ready to open your heart and home to new pets, consider the countless benefits of making it a pair. Your new companions will thank you for it with purrs of happiness and years of affection. For more info on adoptable cats, visit https://www.pawsonmyheartinc.org Jenni Beesley https://caa.pet/

As we see almost every day, someone online wants to make sure that “pet owners know to avoid this product”.  With springtime and gardening ideas in the air, the current concern making the rounds on social media is about the use of cocoa mulch.   Something that smells like chocolate is sure to entice your pup (especially certain breeds, like Labradors) and so the questions become, when should we be concerned or should we avoid the use of cocoa mulch in our yards? Before we get into the mulch itself, let’s review what we know about chocolates and our pets.  When we consider chocolates and cocoa products, the dangers to our pets come from a class of chemicals known as methylxanthines.  Specifically, chocolate contains theobromine as well as caffeine and these two chemicals can cause GI upset in our dogs.  Beyond vomiting and diarrhea, some dogs may experience heart arrythmias or even seizures.  Some chocolates are worse than others because they contain higher percentages of the theobromine and caffeine ... products with high levels of cocoa liquor (the liquid that is produced after grinding the hulled cocoa beans) are more toxic.  Thus, cocoa powder is worse than baking chocolate is worse than dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate.  In very general terms, most dogs can handle about 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight without serious issue. How does cocoa mulch fit into this?  Well, cocoa mulch is a byproduct of chocolate production. It consists of the hulls of the cocoa bean and these MIGHT still contain enough theobromine and caffeine to be problematic, especially if your pup eats a significant amount of the mulch.  Some brands may note that they have “removed the methylxanthines," but in reality, some mulches could contain anywhere from 0 to 255 mg of theobromine per ounce of the mulch.   For reference, the toxic doses for theobromine in dogs are 9 mg per pound for mild signs and about 18 mg per pound for severe signs.  If your enthusiastic canine companion weighs about 20 lbs and eats an ounce of cocoa mulch, you might be in for a night of cleaning up some messes from your pup! Beyond any potential GI signs, like vomiting and diarrhea, or any potential serious issues, like heart problems, there is also the potential for your dog to develop an obstruction. The chocolate aroma is greatest at the time right after you have spread the mulch. The good news is that the effects of rain, heat, and the sun will help to lessen the amount of methylxanthines over time, so the danger will actually decreases the longer the mulch is out. As always, it’s important to review potential health hazards for your furry friends, but do remember to double check and verify information.   Cocoa mulch CAN be dangerous, but a little common sense will help keep your playful pup safe! #PetPalsTV, #veterinary, #veterinarian, #CertifiedVeterinaryJouranlist, #CVJ, #springtimedogdangers, #dog, #pets, #cocoamulch

Fostering cats brings joy. Just ask actress Valerie Bertinelli. Known for her roles in "One Day at a Time" and "Hot in Cleveland," Valerie sat down with me to chat about her own personal experiences with cats and how loss led to happiness when she discovered fostering. In the new episode of my podcast, The Cat Conversation, Valerie opens up about the loss of her beloved pet, Dexter: "I lost my dear, sweet Dexter, gosh, it's going to be 11 years ago now. And he was the love of my life. He was my best friend always. And after he passed, I thought, I can't do this anymore. I can't feel this. A few weeks later, I was working with our prop master on Hot in Cleveland. She fosters and does these adopt-a-thons every other week at this park. And she said, I know you're really upset and you're so sad, but just come because these cats need people." Despite initially feeling overwhelmed by grief, Valerie found solace and purpose in fostering cats and eventually ended up with six feline companions. And now she's hoping to inspire others to foster as well: "All of these shelters across America really could use help in the fostering department. And it's so helpful. Yes, it's hard to let the kittens go, but you know what, you're giving them a home, you're giving them a life." Valerie's story highlights the profound impact that fostering animals can have on both the animals themselves and the individuals who open their homes and hearts to them. For more with Valerie, listen to The Cat Conversation on Apple, Spotify or where you get your podcasts. You can also watch the episode here: KJ is Your Kitty Correspondent as seen on Pet Pals TV. Her first word as a baby was "Kitty" and she has had a passion for cats ever since. Watch more of KJ's stories on the Pet Pals TV YouTube channel and check out her book "Raised by Cats: Behind the Mic and the Meows" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million.

“Pet Pals TV,” was joined by News 8’s Hanna Mordoh, her sister Aran Mordoh, educator at Indiana University Health, and her dog Hoosier. Aran, Hanna, Patty, and Hoosier stopped by WISH-TV Midday to talk with News 8’s Jeremy Jenkins about Hoosier’s retirement. The therapy dog has been helping clients, staff and patients at IU Health in Bloomington.

Has anyone ever asked you, “What’s the most amazing thing you've ever seen?” Here’s my answer: This goes way back to the 1950s when I was around 7 years old and I had a pretty turquoise parakeet named Jerry. We’d let him fly around the house now and then so he could get some exercise. When it was time to go back in his cage, we’d get a coat hanger, he’d jump on it and then he'd pop through the door of his cage. One day my friend Dianne and I were coming into my house through a side door that led to a utility room. I didn’t know my mom had let Jerry out, and the moment we opened the door, off he flew outside! We ran to the back yard and watched him fly into some tall trees about a block away. Also in the back yard was a man painting the trim on the house. I was panicked . . . I thought I’d never see my Jerry again. My mom came out of the house and looked sad as we stared at the trees where our bird had disappeared. We stood there a while, feeling helpless, calling his name. My block was newer and the trees weren’t very big. The one in our back yard was slim and maybe 7 feet tall. To our amazement, a couple of minutes later Jerry flew back into the top of our yard tree! What??? My mom ran into the house and grabbed a coat hanger and the birdcage. As we all watched with our mouths open, Jerry jumped down, branch by branch, until he was near the coat hanger. He jumped onto the hanger and my mom popped him into his cage. Jerry was home! I was crying. I don’t remember what Dianne was doing. But the house painter said it all: “I wouldn’t have believed that if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.” Thankfully, Jerry never had any more adventures like that. He went on to learn a few words, loved his cuttlebones, went on vacation with us and was still allowed to fly around the house. He had a full life and lived to be 22 years old! I wonder if he remembered his escape to the tall trees. Do you have an amazing moment with a pet? Visit petpalstv.com and click on Share Your Story.

The weather is starting to warm up and that means nicer days, more sunshine, and, unfortunately, more parasites waiting to pounce on our pets!! What's a pet lover to do to keep their furry friends safe?? Handling flea infestations can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be impossible. The most important thing to understand is how we can break the flea life cycle. Let's do a quick review! Adult fleas jump on you pet from the environment. These pests will start drinking blood immediately, find a mate within about 8 hours, and start laying flea eggs within 24 hours. These microscopic eggs will then drop back into the environment (the carpet, the hardwood floors, your bed!) where they can hatch into flea larvae (or maggots, if you prefer) in 1-10 days. The flea larvae will start gobbling up any organic debris in the area and molt twice over 5-9 days. At this point, these young larvae know it's time to metamorphose into their adult form, so they start spinning a cocoon. This will keep them safe for the next 5-6 days (or longer) as they complete their change. Then they wait . . . for you or your pets to walk by so that they can hitch a ride and get a meal! All in all, the flea life cycle can be completed in as little as 2 weeks, although 3-4 weeks is more common. Fleas lay about 40-50 eggs per day and can live for about 3 months. That's an average of over 2000 eggs going into your home from just one pair of fleas!! Now, consider the range of diseases that fleas carry, like the plague, as well as the tapeworm parasite, and you can see just how troublesome these nasty little bugs are! And remember, for every flea you see ON your pet, there are hundreds in the household that you DON'T see! As pet lovers, our goal should be to keep fleas away from our pets and stop any potential infestation in its tracks!! The best way to do this is to keep your furry friends on some sort of flea preventive product ALL YEAR LONG! It is also vital that all dogs and cats in the home have this protection, even the "indoor only" cat. Once you have your pets protected, it will be very difficult for the fleas to break into your home. If they do, there are great area treatments that can help kill off the eggs and larvae in the environment. Your veterinarian can provide you with safe and effective products that will work well for you and your pets. Oral products as well as topical spot on products are available. The best part of working with your veterinary team is that they will know if your pet shouldn't have a specific product because of their breed or overall health. You won't get that kind of accurate advice from the pet store, the grocery store, or social media. What's been your "go to" flea control product? #Fleas, #CertifiedVeterinaryJournalist, #CVJ, #PetPalsTV, #veterinarians, #veterinary, #dogs, #cats, #pets

From Indy Great Pyrenees Rescue www.IGPR.org Merry was found as a stray and not reclaimed from the shelter. We estimate she was born in October 2022. She is a fun loving, strong girl who loves attention, learns quickly and is eager for human attention. She enjoys being brushed and going for walks, although she could benefit from obedience training and an e-z walk harness, as she does currently pull when you walk her. She's a gorgeous girl, with a snow white coat, that glistens in the sunshine. She is crate trained too. She loves romping with other dogs. A male companion would be best for her, as opposite sexes tend to get along well with this breed. She is up-to-date on vaccinations, is spayed and microchipped. We recommend obedience training for all newly adopted pyrs, to help you create a special bond with you and your new friend, and so you have a well behaved canine. Great Pyrenees are willing to learn, but are not as eager to comply with commands as much as other breeds. They are bred to be independent thinkers. Applicants must be over 25, own their own home and all children in household must be over 6 years old. Your resident pets must be up to date on vaccines, sterilized, you must have a good history of vet care for them for the past two years, and you must have used heartworm preventative year round for your dogs and be able to provide proof of purchase. Merry will be placed as an inside pet with outside privileges. You MUST have a securely fenced yard accessible from your home. Invisible fencing does not work with this breed and they will take the shock for the freedom. Great Pyrenees are bred to roam and will create their own territory if not secured, which can led to them being lost, hit by vehicles or harmed by people who see them as a threat. The breed is not a good off leash dog, and cannot be trusted to not run away. If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please complete the appropriate application on our website, www.igpr.org under the Adopt tab. Applications: 🐾Adopt: http://www.igpr.org/adopt/adopt-form/ 🐾Foster: http://www.igpr.org/foster/foster-survey/ 🐾 If you’d like to donate to help the dogs in our care, go to https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=oi2le8NM6mwzvx6wkwr352_opO-uuK7gCOMaPLAFZFRL_Z5DFii7LLGXMnZc4BXfJ__WHjICr0_ZU3dJ

Mark Wahlberg has a new movie out called “Arthur the King,” based on a true story about a street dog who became friends with a runner, who then became an international sensation. See Patty’s interview with the actor. Woof!

Giving those pets a second chance when no one else will – that’s the mission of The Four-Legged Ranch. Patty Spitler was joined by Nancy Hoffman, the founder of The Four-Legged Ranch, and Swag the Dog on WISH-TV News 8. Hoffman shares with Patty the story of 4-year-old Swag, who was rescued from a breeding operation in late January. Sad news: Swag passed away from kidney failure two days after this story aired. RIP Good Boy!