CATEGORIES

Grow a Memory

Pay tribute to a special person or occasion by planting something meaningful.

The Mountain Hummingbird

Listen and look for broad-taileds in their high-elevation homes.

The Bear Whisperer

Doug Seus made his name by mastering a near-impossible and perilous feat: training grizzly bears for Hollywood films. Then he came up with a radical, equally ambitious plan to protect the species that he holds dear.

Queens Candilee Jackson Choose the Strangest Delivery Spots

I remember well the first litter of kittens I birthed on my own. I was excited to finally have kittens to show under my new cattery name, Pawdancer. At the same time, I felt like the fictional Prissy from Margaret Mitchell’s novel, Gone With The Wind and her famous quote, “But Miss Scarlett, I don’ know nothin’ ‘bout birthin’ no babies!” I read everything I could lay my hands on, visited my vet at least ten times during the final week or so (the office staff finally just waved me into an exam room without getting my charts), consulted with my mentors and non-mentors, laid in enough birthing supplies for a small army and as the “watch” date approached, I consulted the calendar at least five times a day. I fixed up a toddler’s playpen with two soft, washable beds—one for delivery and one for after delivery, food and water dishes, litter box and covered the removeable plywood top (painted baby pink) and mesh of the playpen with warm pink fleece. All was ready. The only thing I DID NOT prepare for was Jazzlynn, my mother-to-be. While I really did not know Jazzy’s thoughts on all this preparation, her inscrutable eyes, half-closed in thought, watched the process and a little smirk crossed her muzzle. Little did I realize she had made plans of her own.

My First Cat

First Cats. We all have that special very first cat—the one that we had as a child, or perhaps the first one when we had a home of our own. Maybe one found us, and we hadn’t realized that we needed a cat until then. Or perhaps this special cat was a first rescue, first pedigreed cat or first show cat. These are the stories of some of those special cats.

Inside the CFA Credentials Committee

The “Inspectors of Election” is the formal term referred to in New York Not-For-Profit Law that applies to CFA operations. The group has been called “tellers” in previous meetings. As a group this also constitutes the “Credentials Committee.”

State Breeder Laws Every Resident Fancier Should Know!

CFA State Breeder Law Series, Part 2 - States of the Gulf Shore Region: Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee

Defining Breed Differences IN 3D

We cat aficionados know about the fabulous variety of cat breeds—just compare a Siamese to a Persian, or a Singapura to a Maine Coon. But to most of the world—and I’m sorry to mention the D-word in CatTalk—it is dogs that are the kings of diversity; cats are thought to all be much the same, except for superficial differences in coat color and length. The great variety of dogs is backed up by scientific research showing that the variation in head shape among dog breeds far outstrips the differences among wild canid species, such as wolves and foxes.

CBD and Pets

More Questions Than Answers

What You Don't Know About... Burmillas

Shades of Elegance

Birthing 101

How Kittens Get Here from There

Atlas, Hugged

Staycations are Animal Care & Control’s most successful dog adoption program, a powerful tool in its mission to become a no-kill shelter. But staycations come with a dare: How long can you borrow a shelter dog before you fall in love?

My First Cat

Beginning a Family Legacy

The Use of Melatonin as Birth Control in Female Cats

“My girl kept me up all night long! What can I do to stop the howling? I need some sleep!” says the newbie breeder.“Have you tried giving her melatonin?” says the experienced breeder. “It really knocks mine out of heat in a hurry!”

What You Don't Know About...Maine Coon Cats

Behind the Gentle Giant

FIP Fighters

Three Cats’ Tales of Hope

CH Pasha Khepri of Emau, DM

My First Pedigreed Cat

THE BEST-KEPT SECRETS OF RIDING SUCCESS

The same character traits that help riders succeed at the highest levels of equestrian sport can help you better relate to your horse and achieve your own riding goals.

LOST AND FOUND

Two episodes involving lost horses on the trails ended very differently. But, say the experts, both illustrate how the right precautions can help you avert disaster whether you’re riding the backcountry or suburban trails.

Leap of faith

When we first brought home our rescued pony, I thought I needed to teach her to trust me. Now I know that she was looking for me to trust her as well.

For rainy day rides

Spring showers are no match for good wet-weather gear.

BIRDS IN THE BARN?

Birds nesting in your barn present a dilemma. Yes, they can be noisy, destructive and messy, but birds help keep the insect population under control and contribute to a balanced ecosystem around your farm.

A lasting gift

As my mare grows old, I’ve come to appreciate things about her that the passage of time can never really take away.

5 REASONS HORSE CONTRACTS FAIL

As an attorney and a lifelong equestrian, I’ve seen many horse-related contracts that aren’t worth the paper they are written on. Here’s how to make sure you are legally protected in your horse-related activities.

Spring INTO Action

Spring is in full swing! Flowers are blooming, migrating birds are returning and warmer days are here. This wonderful change of season calls for new strategies to make sure your feathered friends keep coming around.

Orange in the Orchard

Attract a pair of vibrant nectar-loving orchard orioles to your backyard with sweet treats.

Hints of Citrus

Use this luxuriously scented plant to attract pollinators.

Flowering and Sweet

Dig into cherry trees’ history, from tasty fruit to popular festivals.

BLOOMIN' Beauties

READERS SET OUT TO CAPTURE THE MOST STUNNING FLOWERS THEY COULD FIND.

backyard BOUQUETS

BRING BEAUTIFUL FRESH-CUT FLOWERS INDOORS ALL SEASON LONG FROM YOUR VERY OWN CUTTING GARDEN.