Should Imitation Be Welcomed?

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But even if that's true, in business it tends to be looked upon with hisses instead of purrs.

When checking my recent Google Alerts this morning, I noticed a press release about a new retail site selling cat supplies. A visit to the site showed that it's not only hosted by the same company that hosts mine, but uses the same basic layout and colors as my own site -- they even have some of the same featured products on their home page! Granted, they don't have my fabulous branding, nor do they appear to offer the "people-products" for cat lovers that I have. But it's hard to feel flattered when someone essentially copies your storefront, element-for-element, to compete with you.

On the other hand, it means that the pet supply industry is doing well enough for more people to be entering it. I can attest to that after attending last month's Global Pet Expo. It was the largest ever. Many of the products I saw there will be showing up on OldMaidCatLady.com over the next several months. Right now, I just updated several new sale prices on Pet Gear's products for traveling with your cat. Their line includes everything from an enclosed basket for your bicycle to airline-approved rolling carriers. If you're traveling with your cat this spring or summer, they're essentials!

So, welcome to the industry, new competitor. Just as others must have viewed me when I entered it last year, we'll see how you do over time.

Cat Champions of the Week: Yogie and Friends!

This week's Cat Champions on OldMaidCatLady.com are the folks at Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary in Frierson, Louisiana. Their goals are:

• Big cat rescue and provision of a safe, stress-free home for life
• Education of the public about these big cats
• Conservation and assistance to other sanctuaries when possible.

Housed at Yogie and Friends are tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, servals, and other exotic cats that have been abused, neglected or unwanted. The cats are cared for by a full-time staff of two, part-time staff of three, 15 volunteers serving in various roles, and over 100 community service and Air Force volunteers who donate time and labor.

While it's open to the public on Saturday afternoons, this is for educational purposes only so as not to stress the cats. Many of these animals have been kept in cruel conditions before coming to Yogie and Friends. Several have ongoing medical problems as a result of their prior living conditions. All receive regular veterinary care and attention to their medical needs.

The long-term vision for Yogie and Friends includes expansion and improvement of the current habitats, an Animal Education Center, Veterinarian Clinic and Quarantine Housing, Natural Habitats, a Special Needs Animals Area, Internship Program Dormitories, and a "Yogie Yard" for visitors. Visit their website to see many delightful videos of their residents.

When you buy your cat supplies and cat accessories at OldMaidCatLady.com the week of July 26-August 1, 2010, 10% of the proceeds are donated to Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary! So get to shopping and join us in supporting these noble people doing great work to help cats!

Cat Champions of the Week: Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary

Our cat champions this week on OldMaidCatLady.com are some folks that will really touch your heart. Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary in St. Pauls, North Carolina takes in cats certified by a veterinarian as being blind. They rescue cats from shelters that would automatically be put down just because the poor things cannot see. Currently, they care for over 40 cats who live at their cage-free, no-kill shelter in St. Pauls. A private, non-profit organization that receives no government funding, they cover the costs for feeding, housing and medical care for these cats and give them a life of dignity.

Visit Blind Cat Rescue's site and you'll be treated to photos and videos of the cats in their care. If you can look at much of that without getting a little misty, you're a stronger old maid cat lady than I! So help out these little darlings this week by buying your cats some stuff at OldMaidCatLady.com. 10% of the proceeds from what you buy will be donated to them. And while you're at it, stop over at the Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary site and donate a little something extra directly to them. The blind kitties will purr a little louder if you do!

Kitty Palms are now on OldMaidCatLady.com!

Want to stop your cats from scratching your furniture, without ruining your decor? You can entertain your kitties while bringing a touch of the tropics to your home with Kitty Palms! Kitty Palms are now available at OldMaidCatLady.com. You'll find them in a number of categories, or you can just search for "kitty palms" to find them.

A few of the features of Kitty Palms that may interest you:

• The trunks are made of sisal, which cats LOVE to scratch, and it's available in two colors
  
• The platforms swivel all the way around so you can configure them however you need to fit your space
  
• There are toys dangling just below the branches, like little hanging coconuts, for your cats to bat around
• Each of the trees (except the small scratching post) comes with one platform that has a recessed stainless steel dish for food or water, so if you have dogs in the house you can feed your cat out of the dogs' reach
• You can order additional platforms placed above and/or below to meet your needs; say you have an elderly cat who's not able to jump up onto a platform -- you could add platforms and swivel them into place to make a sort of spiral "staircase" for your cat to walk up.

How cool are these Kitty Palms?! If you don't want a run-of-the-mill carpeted "cat condo" ruining your lovely tropical decor, Kitty Palms are what you've been looking for!

This Week's Cat Champions: TARAA!

When you buy your cat supplies and accessories at OldMaidCatLady.com from June 28-July 4, 2010, 10% of the proceeds go to The Animal Rescue & Adoption Agency (TARAA)! TARAA was founded in 2005 for the welfare and protection of animals. It has rescued and placed over 1,000 animals, mostly dogs and cats, into loving homes.

What differentiates TARAA from the mainstream shelters is that they rescue the animals overlooked by many other rescue groups, on what’s commonly referred to as the “kill list”. Those with skin conditions or health issues such as heartworms, those who aren’t necessarily cute and healthy, or those with minor ailments like ringworm are typical cases. Many shelters automatically euthanize these animals as unadoptable because they just don’t have the resources to save them.

TARAA is the only group in the Jacksonville area currently willing to help these animals. They take these debilitated or sick animals, have them treated by a veterinarian, and then make them available for adoption. Treatments for skin conditions tend to cost $5-$6 per dose, with cats sometimes requiring two treatments of Promeris or Program, and sometimes an antibiotic, to heal.

They also work with several foster care families who volunteer their services and open their homes to these special animals. Once rehabilitated and ready for adoption, TARAA holds adoption days at area pet supply stores. Their website shows some of the animals, features stories about animals available for adoption, and seeks to educate people on issues like introducing cats to new babies in the household and the treatability of skin issues in companion animals.

TARAA’s founder and her husband live on four acres of land referred to as “TARAA’s Acres. On this property, they have a 500 square-foot “Cat House” that houses up to 30 cats and kittens. You can help these and the fostered animals of TARAA this week, simply by buying your cat supplies & cat accessories at OldMaidCatLady.com!