Its Me, Ali Z!

Hi Kitties and Pups:

Its Tuesday again and we got a lot of mail this week. Thanks to almost all of you who write. Lets look at it, shall we?

The Army of Four int the person of Ammy wrote telling me about an after dark walk she and Stormy took with their Mom. She was upset because a cat ran out of nowhere and kept running at them, then stopped and hissed at them. Ammy said she was ready to do bodily harm to the cat but her Mom stopped her.

Ammy, I personally feel it was too bad that Zim wasn't along with you because he would not have been afraid and would have known how to make friends with the cat, which it sounds like Stormy might have wanted to do. I'm sorry the cat scared you, but I am sure it intended no harm to two large dogs! Thanks for writing!

Dennis the Vizsla wrote saying I had a positive influence on his sister cat Trouble. He said She has taken down one of her Catwoman posters and put up an Ali Z poster in its place. Dennis has an interesting writing style and this is what he further said "Of korse she did not tayk the wun ware she taypd her own hed over catwomans hed it wuz a different wun but still this is a positiv step!"

Dennis, I am most happy that Trouble is looking for positive images in her life. Give her a rub for me and thanks for writing!

Maxdog in South Africa says he is having nightmares "I dream about huge monster cats who prowl my gardens perimeters. The dream extends to owners not 'controlling' them and they then take me out . I then have to submit to a cat! Is this some sort of post-kitty-kat-traumatic stress disorder?

Ah, Max, I am very sorry this is happening to you. My advice to you, would be to seek out a qualified hypnotist who could work with you, and help you to sleep better. This is serious enough to require more than just a word or two of advice. Let me know if you can find someone who can help you. Thanks for writing!

Cloud the Wonderdog wrote about cats who wag their tails. Cloud said: Why do you cats wag your tails when you are mad? I think it means "I am happy and want to play with you, Cloud!"

But apparently it don't! This is body language 101. How can you mess up something so simple?

In other words, You're doing it Wrong!

Thank you for writing, Cloud, but I must begin by telling you, there is NOTHING simple about the messages a cat's tail sends. All animals communicate with their tails. Dogs and wolves hold their tail up high when feeling confident, down between their legs when frightened. A cat's wagging tail means various things, each wag is slightly different. If the cat is at ease, she will give some nice little flicks with her tail, if she is agitated, she will whop her tail back and forth.

Did you know that domestic cats are the only felines who can hold the tail vertically while walking. So you see, you can probably assume that your cat will never want to "play" with you. Dogs play rougher than cats like, they like quieter more thinking type games than you pups do.

Thats just the way life is.

Scout 'n Freyja wrote saying "We is thinkin' that it is high time the kitties an' the doggies make peace wif each others. Make hearts not growls and hissings."

Scout and Freyja, some cats are able to make peace in their homes with dogs. For instance, myself, I live upstairs much of the time avoiding Stella, but lets face it. Since time began the cat and dog have been enemies and its not likely to change anytime soon, would be my guess. Nice thought though. Thanks for writing.

Some Opinions:

Wilbur says You are right about the brain thing. The only thing the furry beast can think about is food and peeing on everything!

Huffle says " You are always so very wise, Ali Z"

Sue said "Stella must have her paws full dealing with you." (Stella? Paws full? Me? I don't think so!)

Thanks to all the writers and thats all for this week.

Meow, meow,

Ali Zophia