About this website
Thanks for visiting Catering to Cattitude!
​
I hope you enjoy learning from Smokey and Phoebe as much as I have. Even though they have been very happy go lucky, I've noticed a few hilarious cattitudes that make me realize I'm being watched and judged. As the cat mom of Smokey and Phoebe, I've often looked for ways to improve their health, safety, and entertainment while using tips that are simple and apartment friendly. Throughout this website, I aim to show various products and techniques that have been useful in keeping Smokey and Phoebe comfortable during basic routines such as grooming, traveling, and more.
​
From time to time, this website may refer to personality and behavioral tendencies that I’ve seen in some cats. However, this website is not intended to teach you to change your cat's behavior. It's a series of tips intended to help simplify the cat life in ways that cater to cattitude. In other words, this website shows how I've changed my behavior according to the preferences of Smokey and Phoebe. I hope you find this website fun and helpful in making the cat life a little easier.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Below is a brief overview of how Smokey gave me valuable learning experiences before this website began.
​
The early years in Smokey's lifetime
​
When I first met Smokey, it became obvious that he would be a blast when he rolled over next to me and wrestled my hand. Meanwhile, his brothers and sisters were more interested in chasing each other across furniture, so I excitedly chose the runt of the litter, Smokey. Soon after bringing him to my apartment, his gift of healing was brought to my attention when he would sleep on my head, providing lots of relief from the headaches I was experiencing at the time. He later showed his "smarty pants" side by turning off the faucet during bath time and opening cabinet and closet doors. After getting accepted to the University at Buffalo, I took Smokey on many road trips between Texas and New York to visit family. Because of Smokey's calm and happy personality, it was fun to learn how to improve each trip so that preparing for travel now runs smoothly.
​
​
After Smokey's diagnosis: I thought I was helping Smokey but he was helping me
At age 8, Smokey developed crystals in his urine which is typical for many cats of his breed. The veterinarian's treatment and recommendations likely saved his life as it is often used to prevent blockage and a host of other problems that can result if not treated in time. As I read up on the topic of bladder crystals in cats, it was disappointing to see what can happen over time, so I became concerned about Smokey's future quality of life.
As discussed in our Blog page, I continued to use Reiki (a form of spiritual healing) but also gave miso soup to Smokey on a daily basis in addition to his prescription diet...and I would just add the leftover miso soup to my lunch. About 6 years after Smokey and I began using miso soup on a daily basis, I realized that the miso soup had been very beneficial for me in relieving my sensitivity to environmental toxins.
​
​
Animal communication as taught by Smokey
After Smokey crossed the rainbow bridge at age 15, there were multiple occasions in which Smokey communicated via dreams, photography, and mediumship, showing me that our animal companions never leave us. Smokey also provided information about my next cat (Phoebe). As Smokey communicated Phoebe's appearance and personality to me before she was born, I reorganized my apartment to cater to her small size and energetic playfulness, leading to many of the tips that you can find in this website and our social media pages. As more ideas came to me, I continued to take notes and do my best to help each tip cater to cattitude. You can find some of these tips and more in our BLOG page and online course (now available in paperback at retailers - see SHOP page for details).
​