The Cat's Meow

You see it move, slightly, out of the corner of your eye.

Your attention is caught.

It moves again. You are vigilant, watching it closely to see what it will do next.

Your entire body is taut, ready to move.

It moves again, and you pounce.

You are a cat who just caught a toy your person has bought for you. You don’t care that you are entertainment for them; you just love the thrill of the hunt. And you know they are happy you aren’t taking this time to knock stuff onto the floor or attack them as they innocently wander past your lair.

Cats have a need to hunt, but with their indoor lifestyle, amid the cozy blankets and soft places, they often don’t get as much of an opportunity as they would like to be able to exercise those instincts they have.

The good news is that there are a number of toys—both for sale and that you can find at home—for cats that will keep them occupied and interested, such as a wand with feathers, a crumpled paper or foil ball, the red light of a laser pen (just make sure to not shine it in the cat’s eyes). Even an empty paper bag after you’ve brought home the groceries is fun for cats.

Remember that there are certain items that are not good for your cat to play with: paper clips, rubber bands, plastic bags, string, anything chewable.

Another great reason to stimulate your cat with play is that it is a bonding experience for both of you—and maybe even reduces your boredom as well.

If you need help keeping your kitty entertained, bring them to us to lodge. We have kitty chaser games, teaser sessions, a kitty playroom, kitty TV and more prey activities which is the “cat’s meow”! 

Kitty on the Prowl Video

Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

You’ve got the perfect dress. Your bridesmaids and groomsmen have all said yes. The venue is confirmed. The flowers are what you’ve always wanted, you’ve agreed on music, and you’re marrying the person of your dreams. There’s just one thing missing.

How will you get your pets to the ceremony?

You’ve bought cute little bride or groom outfits or accessories for them, and although you haven’t quite decided how they’ll get down the aisle, you know they’re a part of your family and should be there on your big day. After all, what could be cuter than having your dogs at your wedding along with the world’s cutest flower girls and ring bearers?

This is where we can help. Morris Animal Inn’s new service transports your dog(s) with one of our wedding attendants to the venue and then back to Morris Animal Inn to lodge while you enjoy your day and head off to your honeymoon. Your pets can also have wedding day grooming and spa treatments, just like you. Your dog can get a bath and fluffed dry, and even get a spritz of perfume or cologne. Does your dog need a manicure? She can get her nails cut, filed, and polished, just like yours.

Think you’ll miss your dog while you’re away on your honeymoon? Give your dog a similar experience. While you swim in the ocean or hotel pool, your dog can swim in ours. On a cruise meeting other people? Your dog can go to group play.

It’ll be one of the most memorable days of your life—for both of you. 

My Dog Keeps Licking Me!

It's usually pretty clear that dogs lick because they like people; it's their way of being affectionate. There are other reasons dogs lick, though, such as prior to feeding from their mom, asking for a dinner invitation, exploring something, attempting to get attention, or even a way of playing.

Dogs may also lick because they think you taste good! Your taste and scent is familiar to them, and then if you pet them after they lick you, they are rewarded for it. However, you should always pay attention if your dog is licking him or herself. This could signify a medical issue such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or even allergies.

According to petmd.com, licking due to anxiety is similar to nervous habits that humans have such a biting fingernails or drumming one’s fingers. They interviewed some behavioral specialists in order to get a better idea about dogs’ nervous licking.

Dr. Megan Maxwell explains that it can be nervous licking depending on what and when a dog licks, such as if your dog always licks something when the doorbell rings or if they consistently lick the same thing over and over again.

Regardless of the reason for licking, you might want to keep a towel handy to wipe up all that slobber.

And no matter how much you love your dog, we don’t recommend licking him or her back.