Louie is a strikingly handsome two-year-old tuxedo black and white cat who has fabulous green eyes and cute expressions. Louie is sweet but a bit shy when he first meets people. He likes to talk, enjoys petting, and is content relaxing in his cat tree. He is hoping to start the New Year in a happy home. Come out and chat with Louie; he will steal your heart away.
Dear reader, I recently picked up a book entitled “The Hidden Language of Cats: How They Have Us at Meow,” by Sarah Brown. It is an incredible look into the world of cats and communication.
My cats have always remained aloof or so I thought, but after reading the observations of Ms. Brown I realized that I was clueless to the subtle language of my BFFs. The term “motherese-style talk” describes the way we talk to our cats. Simply put, it is baby talk and does occasionally get their attention.
While it may appear that your cats are not paying attention, they do recognize their names and can tell if you are talking to them or just conversing with other people. This level of vocal understanding is usually associated with dogs who aim to please.
It seems that cats do not meow to other cats but to humans. Perhaps cats observed the attention humans paid to crying babies and developed a cry (meow) to get our attention. Meowing does get attention but your cat gives you other clues to tell what she wants. By rubbing her head around your legs and then the against the food storage, she hopes you get the hint. Meowing and standing by the door is obvious.
Human listeners may not recognize the difference between meows. An astute listener can differentiate between meows by listening to the pitch. The positive meow has a pitch that rises and ends up higher. A distressed or unhappy meow has a pitch that falls.
Cats have excellent hearing and their range is one of the widest tested in mammals. They can hear low-pitch sounds like us but their upper range is way beyond ours. Their amazing mobile ears can rotate a full 180 degrees independent of each other allowing accuracy in locating sounds. So, why do they ignore us? Well, after all cats have staff. Dogs have owners. Meow!
ATTENTION
If you are looking for a gift that keeps on giving, please donate funds or items.
Funds: CAPS website: http://www.caps.nonprofix.com/donate/
Items: http://www.chewy.com/g/churchill-animal-protection-society b90304381#wish-list&wishlistsortby=DEFAULT
LOOKING FOR A HOME
We have five 13-week-old pitbull-mix puppies available to foster and two handsome 15-month-old male puppies. BG and Diego are anxiously waiting to find their forever homes. Cat lovers, we have seven gray tabby and four black four-month-old kittens. They are cute!
IN NEED OF
Board members! We are seeking energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks to serve on the CAPS board. We meet once a month. Call 775-423-7500 for details.
Bleach, laundry detergent pods, toilet paper, and paper towels to stock our shelter.
XXL Kong Extremes for our guests.
Would you like to foster animals? Call CAPS for details.
Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.
SHOUT OUT TO
Our board members who dedicate their time and effort to our no-kill shelter!
The volunteers who facilitated Walmart day. You are the heart and soul of CAPS!
Our anonymous benefactors who donated food. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!
Everyone who donated items and funds at Walmart. You are our pooch pals!
COME SEE US
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
December Holiday: National Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals. Donate at CAPS!
Would you like a newsletter? Call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.
CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.