Omss Bird: Sep 4, 2011

The Latest from Bird Crafts

Birds' Party Online Magazine - Fall 2011, Issue3 !!

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 09:07 AM PDT

Click image to read the magazine online for FREE

Yes folks, I'm back from my "cave" retreat with a shiny magazine packed full with great ideas, party photos, amazing recipes, FREEBIES, and as always eye candy galore!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

HUGE thank you to the wonderful contributors, vendors, sponsors and friends who have helped me create this amazing issue just for you!

Very excited, utterly delighted but most of all, extremely proud to bring you what I think is our best issue yet!! :D

Not the least because I've had the pleasure and total honor of having so many talented contributing writers and fantastic vendors supporting us all the way!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Here goes, my MASSIVE thanks to the talented, dedicated, amazing, supportive and totally fabulous...

Celebrations at Home
The Party Wall
Haniela's
Belle Cake Topper and Mould
A to Zebra Celebrations
Celebrating Moments by Marcie
Whatever Whimsy
Casos e Coisas da Bonfa
BrancoPrata
Dreamers Joy Events and Designs
One Stone Events
Crossing The Bugger-Dixon Line
Shawna Brockmeier Events
The Purple Pug
Just Call Me Martha
Cole Baby Tutu
Malu Boutiques
Sweet Estelle
The Knock -Knock Factory
Shop My Little Love
Willow House
The Ribbon Retreat
Bella Ariana
Magnolia Creative
Sweet Dough
Green Party Goods
Ann- Margaret's
Lynlee's Petite Cakes
Sparkling Events and Designs
Clemens Designs
Autumn Lynn's Chocolate Sins
Cupcakes and Lemonade
Tiny Posh

Hope you guys enjoy the pages, and if you do please feel free to spread the word!!
Wishing you a fab weekend, and don't forget to take some time out to chill with a good magazine! ;D

Dr. Jungle's Animal Speak

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 12:28 PM PDT

How to Tell if Your Cat is Sick

Cats are remarkably robust animals that are often much hardier and healthier than dogs, if vaccinated regularly and cared for properly. But they do get sick and because of the feline temperament they're inclined not to show it. So how do you tell if your cat is sick?

All cat owners should know what their cat is like when in tip-top health. The coat is glossy and well-groomed, the appetite is good and the eyes are bright and clear. If not, these are physical signs of illness that most owners will pick up easily – if they look.

The occasional sneeze, the odd cough and occasional vomiting to eject a hairball are nothing to worry about, but any departure from the norm requires you to keep a watchful eye on your pet. Loss of appetite could mean that your pet is dining out elsewhere, or it could be the sign of a disease that needs veterinary attention.

If your cat uses a litter box, make a habit of checking it. Loose stools could be owing to something unsavory they ate or a sign of something more serious. Infrequent or copious urination is an important sign of a common older cat affliction, kidney disease. Catch it early and your chances are improved. If you suspect your cat is not well, it's a good idea to keep it inside with a litter tray so you can observe its output.

Often an ill cat will show few obvious physical signs. Behavioral changes are something to be on the alert for. A sick cat will often withdraw, choosing obscure places to sleep and spending more hours than usual and being inactive. Stressed cats may exhibit a sudden preference for high places, like closet tops or high shelves. Cats are creatures of routine, so unusual activities or behavior that is out of character (such as reticence or aggression) is always worth monitoring closely.

When playing with your cat, use the opportunity to do a close inspection on a regular basis. Check that the ears are clean and free of mites. Check the mouth for tooth and gum infection and the eyes for discharge or inflammation. When stroking your cat check for fleas and ticks, as well as any lumps or growths. Outdoor cats (especially toms) are prone to developing nasty abscesses at injury sites if they get into a fight.

If you know exactly what your cat is like when it's in peak health, the signs of illness will be that much easier to detect. If you think something is wrong, don't be indecisive. The sooner you get to the vet the better and the higher your chance of something being able to be done about it. It's the least we can do for them…

For general cat care, check out our Cat Care page!

NJ Bird Photos: Birds of New Jersey

Egret flying over Lake Nelson
Cormorants on Lake Nelson
The female ruby throated hummingbird: Photo by Janaki

Egret flying over Lake Nelson

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 07:41 AM PDT

Egret

Cormorants on Lake Nelson

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 07:39 AM PDT

Cormorants

The female ruby throated hummingbird: Photo by Janaki

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 07:38 AM PDT

This hummingbird has been visiting our feeder quite regularly. This photo was taken in Allendale, NJ on August 8, 2011 with a Nikon D70 and a 70-300mm Sigma telephoto lens.