Crozet’s thirty-something post-mistress, Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, has a tiger cat (Mrs. Murphy) and a Welsh Corgi (Tucker), a pending divorce, and a bad habit of reading postcards not addressed to her.

When Crozet’s citizens start turning up murdered, Harry remembers that each received a card with a tombstone on the front and the message “Wish you were here” on the back. Intent on protecting their human friend, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker begin to scent out clues.

Meanwhile, Harry is conducting her own investigation, unaware her pets are one step ahead of her. If only Mrs. Murphy could alert her somehow, Harry could uncover the culprit before the murder occurs–and before Harry finds herself on the killer’s mailing list.

Wish You Were Here

Applying Advantage® flea control to your feline friend is fast and easy. There are two convenient package sizes which offer flexibility in dosing:

For cats and kittens eight weeks or older:

• Kittens/Cats 9 lbs. and under
• Cats over 9 lbs.

Once you have the correct pre-measured dose from your veterinarian, follow the instructions below to provide your purr-fect companion with fast relief. (Advantage for cats should not be used on any other type of animal. Always consult your veterinarian prior to application.)

To correctly treat your kitten or cat:

1. Remove one applicator tube from the package.
2. Hold applicator tube in an upright position. Pull cap off tube.
3. Turn the cap around and place other end of cap back on tube.
4. Twist cap to break seal, then remove cap from tube.
5. Part the hair on the neck at the base of the skull until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the tube on the skin and squeeze the tube twice to apply the solution directly on the skin. Do not get this product in your pet’s eyes or mouth. The product is bitter tasting and salivation may occur for a short time if the cat licks the product immediately after treatment. Treatment at the base of the skull will minimize the opportunity for the cat to lick the product.
6. Discard empty tube by securely wrapping in several layers of newspaper and discarding in trash.

See picture below.

If you are introducing kittens to one another, the entire introduction process can be short, lasting as little as 10 – 15 days. Introducing cats to each other all depends on their temperament and their personality. When you introduce a new cat to your current cat, you should always make sure that you give your current cat plenty of love and attention. This way, your cat will feel secure and know that it isn’t in competition with your new cat for affection.

When you bring your new cat home, you should let it stay in a safe room until you have finished introducing the cats. Your safe room can be any small room in your home, such as a bathroom or spare bedroom. The key here is to use a room that your current cat doesn’t go in. In the room, you should leave your new cat a scratching post, bed, water dish, litter box, and food dish.

At first, your current cat may howl and hiss when it stands at the door, trying to tell the other cat that it doesn’t belong. When this happens you should ignore it, as punishing your cat for its behavior will only lead to more problems. After a while, the first cat will start to act calm when it is near the new cat’s door. As it starts to act calm, you should pet it and give it praise.

When your first cat starts to go by your new cat’s door and doesn’t howl or hiss; you can start introducing them to each other. The best way to do this is to get them used to each others scent. You can start letting them eat out of the same food dish, although you’ll want to feed them at different intervals at first. This way, the scent of each cat will be present at the food dish, and each cat will get the scent when it eats its food.

Once both cats have got used to the scent, you can begin to feed them closer together. To do this, you should keep your new cat in the safe room with the door closed, and your first cat on the other side of the door with its food dish. This time, feed both cats at the same time. After doing this a few times, they should start eating without any hissing or growling. At this point, they are ready to be introduced to one another.

When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although they may be used to each others scent; your first cat will still feel a bit awkward with your new cat being in his territory. You should play with them both at first, so they can smell one another and greet in their own way. If they start to fight you should break them up, and give them some time apart.

It may take some time to get them fully used to one another, although once they do – they will become playmates for life. Cats love to be social, although it may be a bit rough at first, especially for your first cat. Cats can be very territorial, especially if you have a kitten around. If you get both of them used to each other early on – it will be a lot easier to add future cats to your home.

If you’re looking for a purebred cat to take to cat shows then there is no question that you will probably wind up dealing with an expensive purchase, but if you don’t really care about the purebred status of a cat then your options are wide open.

There are different advantages to getting your cat from either a shelter or a breeder. Breeders will give you a guarantee and the kitten will come with a wellness check by a veterinarian. You may be restricted in showing, and most certainly breeding. Getting a cat from the shelter assures that cat has been screened for some diseases and you will also most likely get a history about the cat.

Some cat owners swear by certain breeds with regards to a good temperament or healthy constitution, and the only way these folks can be guaranteed that they are getting exactly the breed of cat they want is by purchasing one that has accompanying documentation. For some people, this is the only way they would consider bringing a cat into their home.

Adopting a cat opens up the possibilities considerably, because there are usually a huge variety of cats of all breeds and ages awaiting adoption. Since a lot of these cats had previous owners, most of them are litter box trained and used to living with people.

Some cats at shelters come with a full history, such as if they deal well with young children or with other pets. There is also a great feeling that can come with adopting a cat since some cats that are never adopted wind up euthanized by the shelter. There simply isn’t always enough room for all the cats in the shelter, so sometimes there is no other choice. By adopting a cat, you’re saving the cat’s life.

There are many other ways to adopt a cat than shelters. Your local newspaper will have many ads about cats looking for a loving family. The reason someone has to give their cat away is many. Allergies are a common one, as is change in living conditions, the death of the cat’s owner, a divorce etc.

The advantage of adopting from a shelter is that you are more assured to know any health issues prior to deciding to adopt. Adopting privately means you do not know if the cat has any health issues that may end up being expensive, both financial and emotionally.

If you are undecided whether you should adopt a kitty, or purchase one from a breeder, do not worry. Cats have an uncanny way of coming into our lives in just the perfect way. You can start exploring both options, and before you know it your absolutely perfect fur baby will find you.

About the Author:
Find more tips written by Virginia Sutherland such as how to find a Cat Urine Cleaner and how to select the best Cat Urine Remover

And that’s just the beginning. As of 09/15/2008, Geneva’s list of canines declared as unsafe or vicious has grown to 15. The newest additions are the Bull mastiff, Thai Ridgeback, and French Mastiff, a.k.a. Bordeaux Bulldog.

The population’s outrage was felt in the first ever Geneva citizen ballot, which resulted in a landslide 80 percent in support of stricter laws regarding what kind of control and owner education and regulation should be required.

The inhabitants annoyance was felt in the first ever Geneva citizen election, which resulted in a total victory 80 percent in support of stricter laws on the subject of breed control and owner schooling and regulation.

Owners who owned one of the flagged breeds before legislation was passed may maintain the dog, but only after reporting ownership to the cantonal veterinary office, proving that the dog originated from an approved breeder, completing a dog training course, and licensing the dog. Only one dangerous breed is permitted per household.

Owners who owned one of the identified breeds before legislation was passed may retain the dog, but only after reporting ownership to the cantonal veterinary office, proving that the canine came from an approved breeder, completing a dog training lessons, and licensing the dog. Only one dangerous breed is allowable per household.

Geneva divides the 15 breeds into different categories, with each category holding specific requirements. A complete list of dangerous breeds and regulations can be obtained through Geneva’s cantonal veterinary office.

In addition to provisions that must be made for dangerous breeds, Geneva’s general dog owner population, caretakers of the canton’s 30,000 dogs, is subject to new rules. As previously declared, specific guidelines for the proper keeping of dogs must be followed. But more recently, every dog owner is now required to attend a dog ownership course, regardless of their dog’s breed.

Besides provisions that must be made for dangerous breeds, Geneva’s dog owner population, custodians of the canton’s 30,000 dogs, is subject to new policy. As earlier stated, specific guidelines for the appropriate keeping of dogs must be followed. But in recent times, every dog owner is now required to attend a dog ownership course, despite their dog’s breed.

Geneva isn’t the only Swiss canton that’s tightening the lead when it comes to pet control. Valais, Fribourg, Bern, and Zurich have their own legislation. And, prospects point in the direction of future rulings regarding concern and control of dogs in all of Switzerland, including tougher accountability for owners and national breed bans.

Whether you’re a lifelong Geneva local, sightseer, or expatriate, familiarizing yourself with the policy governing dog ownership within the canton will put a stop to complications. Following those rules will shelter you, your dog, and your record with the commandment.

Don’t fail to comply with Geneva’s freshest, and older, dog ownership regulations by acquiring half truths, or no information. These laws are in place to protect both you and your pet.

As with any enforced change, we’re likely to hear more from veterinary professionals, as well as pet owners, about the pending Swiss pet housing and care regulations. There will no doubt be friends, and opponents, of the plan.

We’ve all heard that No Man is an Island, and according to the Swiss Federal Council on September 1, 2008, no guinea pig or budgie should be either.

The new regulations aren’t targeted solely at owners of cavies and budgies, but include 175 pages of rules that apply to circuses, farms, and zoos, as well as individuals that own other domesticated pets.

Advocates of the new rules, prospected to be compulsory in September 2010, include the animals whose care is in question, as well as those worried about unemployment rates in Switzerland. There will be manpower required to enforce these rules, as well as trainers needed to teach pet owners.

Though established with the welfare of our furry friends in mind, these upcoming Swiss pet regulations have been met with a certain dose of cynicism.

Naysayers question the potential of these 175 pages to bring order. Case in point,

How can minimum enclosure sizes for budgies and guinea pigs be uniformly implemented?

How will a literal ban on canine possession for those who haven’t completed a dog ownership course be imposed? What will happen to dogs whose owners are disobedient?

How will inhabitants of Geneva, where tight dog ownership regulations are already in force, react to 16 hours of additional required instruction?

Farther out of the budgie budget are minimum cage size obligations for large animals, such as elephants and rhinoceroses. Sanitation guidelines relate to zoos and circuses, which the Swiss government reserves the right to insist on.

Farmers are likely to zoo out about the imminent enforcement. Some regulations are established, like the ban of chicken cages since 1981, but others might come as a shock. Continuous tethering of animals is now out of the question, while swine have get the right to showers on warm summer days and spotless pens all year round. And horses, like guinea pigs and budgies, will no longer be living solitary lives.

In the same way, breeders are going to have to rear a new viewpoint in regard to care of animals on their properties.

The most recent Swiss animal ownership rules will not go into full effect until September of 2010, and until they do, the Swiss administration wants to stress their wish to encourage education, rather than to implement with a strong arm. This, however, does not point toward a lax attitude on their part, when penalties are called for. If an event, such as a dog bite, calls for action, action will be taken.

You may own a seemingly indiscernible pet, like a budgie or guinea pig, or a run an association that displays the largest land mammal alive. Whichever way, be prepared for education, restrictions, and tougher conditions

The best plan of action for any animal owner will undoubtedly be to familiarize him or herself with regulations that apply to their specific animal ownership situation.

Whether you’re a lifelong Geneva citizen or a newcomer to Switzerland, animal ownership instruction is not an option, it’s the law.

Who else wants to banish the chore of cleaning up after kitty’s business? If you are like most cat owners, you know that cleaning the litter box is about as exciting as dental work. Thanks to an amazing new invention, it is now possible to both keep kitty’s box clean and germ free without the tedious constant chore of scooping and changing litter. An automatic cat litter box can handle all of the stinky work for you. These self cleaning litter pans have many benefits and are especially useful for busy families, the elderly and people with disabilities because they make caring for kitty easy and automatic.

There are several good reasons to consider an automatic litter pan for your kitty. The biggest benefit most people notice is that there is a significant reduction in smell coming from the box. These units work constantly and clean up after kitty does their business which doesn’t leave a lot of time for the waste to sit. Additionally, there is a health consideration for your pet as well. The speedy cleanup means that bacteria doesn’t have a chance to grow in the box and get on kitty’s paws and in their lungs. So while a human cant possibly clean up after each litter box use, these machines can and do.

Using an automatic cat litter box is rather simple. Some boxes use ordinary clumping litter while other models require you to purchase special litter. Be sure to know which one the box you purchase uses, as this makes a difference in the overall cost of running the unit. After they are set up, most self cleaning boxes require that you empty the waste receptacle weekly and add new litter as needed. Maintenance is minimal and thats the idea. You can benefit from having an always clean box without the work.

If you are shopping for an automatic litter box, you will have a number of choices. There are different brands and models for every possible need or budget. Most models are designed to accommodate households with multiple cats. Keep in mind that self cleaning boxes are not recommended for small kittens, although they are perfectly safe for older cats.

The only drawback to most leading brands is that they all make some noise as they complete their cleaning cycle. If kitty needs to use the box during this time, they may initially have difficulty using the box with this noise. Fortunately over time most all cats adapt to the box and its noises and functions.

Whats the final verdict on automatic litter boxes? Most people who choose to get one of these boxes say they would never go back to regular litter pans. These robotic helpers can certainty cut down on the work and odor that goes with being a cat owner. Best of all they cut down on odor and bacteria and help you provide a healthy environment for your pet and home.

About the Author:

The author is the editor of http://www.selfcleaninglitterboxes.net – Visit the automatic cat litter box reviews for the scoop on the best boxes for every budget!

No matter your destination, when traveling abroad with your pet dog, cat, ferret, bird, or other pet, doing your homework can make your trip with your companion a seamless one. A trip to your pet’s veterinarian for paperwork and other provisions will likely be in order.

First, whenever traveling globally, always carry an international rabies certification for the dog, cat, or ferret that’s with you. Your animal’s veterinarian should be completely familiar with this certificate. The date of immunization on the certificate must be within 30 to 365 days of your arrival on overseas soil. Less than 30 days, the vaccination may not be in full effect. More than 365 calendar days, and the vaccination may be terminated.

The Swiss Federal Veterinary Office in each region will also check to make sure that the rabies certification was issued in the district of your primary, or most recent, home.

Other requirements consist of ensuring that animals traveling with you do not number more than five, that they will not be sold, or possession otherwise transferred, once inside Swiss borders, and that they are planned to act exclusively as pets.

Importation of canines with docked tails or cropped ears is forbidden.

An assessment fee of CHF 88 will be gathered for each imported cat, dog, or ferret at a customs locations or veterinary facility.

Regulations also apply to pets that are traveling back into Switzerland, but do not apply to pets traveling by highway or railway from other points in Europe.

Comprehensive requirements for specific pets, including procedures and records, for travel to Switzerland as an individual with a pet can be found at the Swiss Customs site.

Swiss arrival rules with an animal, as part of a global group can be found at the Swiss Mission site.

Customs regulations regarding importation of domesticated animals are in place for good reasons. Among which includes protection for you and your animal.

Whether visiting or moving to Switzerland, avoid a travel nightmare by making complete provisions for arrival with your pet. Equate your pet’s proper paperwork to your own passport. Without it, you and your dog, cat, rabbit, or other companion will not be crossing the border together.