Art and Mind Chatter

It has been almost five years since I've added to this Blog site; I spend most of my time teaching academic writing and research basics to undergraduates at the University of California San Diego.  

I've had to find a way to calm the "mind chatter" during my summers off, one that doesn't involve the written word.   So I've taken a new direction: painting.   Here in Fallbrook, we're surrounded by a crazy jungle of native and exotic vegetation.  The contrast in colors and textures is mind-blowing.  It's a great place for a novice artist to give it a try.  

Here are a few of my creations.  Enjoy!

"Sands of Time:  Torrey Pines Bluffs"

"It's a Wonderful Life:  Capra Ranch, Fallbrook"

"Fallbrook Jungle"

"Tioga Pass"

"Connecticut Spring"

And a few pets --  

 

"Kai"

"Max"

"Gray"

Can Cats Be Trained?

Can Cats be Trained?

by Tricia McMaster
Published in The San Diego Union Tribune's  "SDPets", October, 2008

It is said that “dogs have owners, cats have staff.” We love cats for their independent spirit, but they can adopt some unwanted behaviors like jumping on the kitchen counter or scratching furniture.    If you are a cat parent engaged in a gentle stand-off over who runs the house, there is hope.   Cats can be trained to have good household manners and even perform some fun tricks, and the San Diego Humane Society can show you how.

Senior trainer Margaret Lenoir offers a two-hour workshop at the San Diego Humane Society on clicker training:   an animal training method that relies on marking desirable behavior with a clicking sound, and rewarding that behavior.

Clicker training has been widely used by dolphin trainers who needed a way to teach behavior without using physical force.   It became a popular dog training technique in 1992 by training expert Karen Pryor, and has spread to a variety of animals.  A clicker is more effective than the human voice because it is distinct, precise, and it means only one thing:  reward.  

Only recently has clicker training been applied to cats and it has proven to be ideal for them.  Lenoir explains, “cats like to be in control and clicker training makes them think they are commanding a performance from the trainer.  It gives them a voice, and it gives us information.”    

Cats and other animals trained by the clicker method know exactly when they're doing the right thing. “Think of a clicker as a camera,” explains Lenoir,  “and take a mental picture of your cat performing the behavior you want to see, using the clicker at that precise moment.”   After “taking the picture,” the trainer gives the animal something it likes, usually a small piece of food but sometimes play, petting, or other rewards. 

Personalized Workshops 

Lenoir customizes her workshops to address the needs of each cat parent attending.  Some want to change a bad behavior, and others want to teach their cat tricks.  Still others want to calm down or even perk up their cat.  All of these can be handled with clicker training.  But most of all, it builds a life-long bond between you and your cat.

As a senior trainer, Lenoir recently made a house call to Diana Powell and Jon Moore to help their newly adopted cat Fritz get more settled down in his new home.  She used clicker training to calm Fritz.  “We definitely noticed a difference after Margaret’s clicker training session,” says Powell.  In fact, the couple attended the most recent Clicker Training for Cats workshop to learn more about the technique.  Fritz needs to learn not to scratch on the bedroom door so early in the morning.   For frisky cats, Lenoir suggests watching the way in which your cat calms itself, such as licking itself or sitting with closed eyes, and then click and reward at those moments.  

“Clicker training is much more than an obedience tool,” says Lenoir.  “By teaching simple tricks to your cat, and building on those tricks over time, the training engages its mind in a more complete way.  I like to think of it as the ‘complete cat.’”

One of the fun tricks Lenoir says cats can learn is to touch a target with its nose. This simple trick, once mastered over time, can be “shaped” to more complex tricks, such as following a target through a kitty exercise course.   Lenoir also shows cat parents how to train their cats to sit, give a “high five,” wave bye, and fetch.  

Lenoir reminds cat parents to keep their training sessions short.  Cats may lose interest or they may get exhausted from the concentration involved.  What ever behavior you are trying to teach, it is important to respect your cat’s comfort level. Cats have their own pace of learning.  And don’t try to coax or pressure your cat into things she does not want to do. Remember, this should be fun!

“Click” Your Way to a Happy Cat

“Over the three years that the San Diego Humane Society has offered the Clicker Training for Cats Workshop, we’ve had a great response,” reports Candice Eley, Public Relations Coordinator.   The workshop is held every other month in a classroom of the Humane Society’s beautiful facility.  Attendees are provided with their own clicker and training guide. For more information, visit the San Diego Humane Society website at www.sdhumane.org, or call them at 619-299-7012 ext 2247.  

Other Cat Workshops

How to Live Happily Ever After With Your Cat!

Learn to live in harmony with your cat! Gain access to the knowledge necessary to build a successful and rewarding relationship with your cat. This class is for people only; please leave your cat at home. Extension 2247.

Kitten Support Group

Have a new kitten? Got some questions? Bring your kitty for an hour of open-forum problem-solving and kitten play time! Proper socialization with other kittens can do wonders in teaching your kitty to “play nice". For kittens under 12 weeks old.  Kittens MUST come to class in an appropriate carrier. Please call for more information and a schedule 619-299-7012 ext 2247

Clicker Training for Cats

Have you always wanted to teach your cat some fun new behaviors? Maybe how to “sit” or wave bye-bye? Or perhaps you’d like to learn an exciting new way to train your cat to stay off the kitchen counter. Whatever your desired outcome, clicker training can be a wonderful method of communicating with those hard-to-train cats! This class is for people only; please leave your cat at home. Please call for more information and a schedule 619-299-7012 ext 2247.

Courtesy of "http://www.sdhumane.org/" 

Feline Leukemia: How Veterinarians are Fighting Back

FELINE LEUKEMIA:

How Veterinarians are Fighting Back

by Tricia McMaster

Published in the San Diego Union Tribune's "SDPets", September, 2008

Of all the viruses that threaten a cat’s health, feline leukemia (FeLV) is the most baffling.   According to the Long Beach Animal Hospital, veterinarians first diagnosed this virus in 1960’s and have yet to fully determine why it destroys the immune systems of some cats and lies dormant or disappears in others.  

But over the years veterinarians have gained considerable ground in the battle to conquer this disease.  They now have two common diagnostic tests and an FeLV vaccine as powerful preventative measures for the healthy cat population.  And for cats that have contracted feline leukemia a range of experimental medicines, supportive care and holistic treatments are helping them cope with the disease and enjoy a higher quality of life.

The Facts

Education is key protecting the cat population, and there are a number of very helpful websites for cat owners.   Dr. Holly Nash of PetEducation.com writes that the FeLV retrovirus is not contagious to humans or any other animal.  The virus itself is unstable and does not live long in the air or on dry surfaces.  While the FeLV virus is spread between cats through saliva, blood and urine,  it takes large amounts of the virus and prolonged exposure to infect an adult cat.  Curiously, the virus was named “feline leukemia” because at advanced stages of the disease it causes a serious cancer of the lymph nodes.    And it is not to be confused with the FIV virus, also known as “feline AIDS,”  even though both are immunodeficiency retroviruses common only to cats.

A cat can actually have both FeLV and FIV at the same time. 

Cornell's veterinary website estimates that about 2- 3% of all cats in the US are infected with FeLV. During the first stage of FeLV infection, a healthy vaccinated cat will  eliminate the virus over a few weeks.   A free-roaming or unvaccinated cat, however, may enter the second of infection where the virus will reside in the bone marrow.   In best case scenarios, the virus lies dormant and the infected cat shows no signs of illness.   In worst case scenarios the infected cat will suffer any one of a vast range of secondary diseases ranging from respiratory tract infections and periodontal disease to cancers.  Tragically, kittens are the most vulnerable to the complications of FeLV as the virus is spread through the mother.

Preventing the Spread

Two blood tests determine whether a cat has contracted FeLV: the “ELISA” test, used for initial screening, and the “IFA” test, used for confirming that the virus is present in the cat's bone marrow.   PetDoc.com recommends that a cat first testing positive for FeLV be retested, as false positives are not uncommon.  A cat can show no symptoms and still carry the virus, so it is important to test all cats in a multi-cat household if one is exposed to FeLV.

A number of FeLV vaccines are available.  The Long Beach Animal Hospital recommends that kittens be vaccinated at nine weeks with a booster two to four weeks later, and receive yearly boosters thereafter.   Veterinarians report the vaccine is not 100-percent effective, and cats still do come down with FeLV.  Because of the eventual suffering FeLV can cause, and because it is contagious,  homeless cats at shelters testing positive for the disease are usually euthanized.

San Diego humane societies and cat rescue organizations are banning together to help stop the spread of feline leukemia.  The Feral Cat Coalition routinely spays and neuters feral (wild) cats to lower the homeless cat population, while area humane societies and rescue organizations have their cats tested for FeLV and vaccinated before every adoption. 

Hope for Infected Cats

A growing number of cat lovers are choosing to keep or adopt one or more cats with FeLV and work closely with their veterinarians to maximize the quality of their lives however long or short they may be.    FeLV cats need to live separately from non-FeLV cats and they should never be let outdoors.  

New experimental drugs are aimed at prolonging the lives of FeLV cats.   Dr. Jennifer DeBerry, internal medicine specialist at the Veterinary  Specialty Hospital of San Diego, explains that “many of these new medications work in different ways to help the cat’s immune system be able to 'fight'  the virus, or at least keep it in check.  Unfortunately none of these immunomodulators have received thorough evaluation in large controlled studies of naturally infected cats.”  

“Where veterinarians do see promise,” adds Dr. DeBerry, “is in supportive care--treating the problems which are secondary to the viral infection.”  Veterinarians can help owners identify the early symptoms of health complications that arise due to FeLV, such as nasal discharge or swollen glands.  A range of treatments can help keep these symptoms from becoming life-threatening illnesses if they are caught early on.  

Dr. Keith Weingardt of the Animal Healing Center in San Diego incorporates three holistic approaches to his treatment of cats with FeLV.   “We look at strengthening the immune systems of cats with FeLV in order to minimize the secondary illnesses.”    Nutrition is essential to building up the immune system..  “Cats are carnivores,” Dr. Weingardt explains,  “and their kidneys go through additional stress eating dry kibble.”   He suggests grain-free, nutrient-dense canned cat food or home-cooked meats.  He also prescribes supplements and antioxidants formulated specifically for cats to help build up  the immune system.   And Dr. Weingardt sees amazing improvement in the strength of cats after having acupuncture.  Controlled studies show that acupuncture can boost the white blood cell count in animals. 

The combination of ever-advancing veterinary science and age-old healing wisdom help give cats with FeLV a fighting chance at having a quality life.   It is a gamble that many cat lovers and cat sanctuaries are willing to take.  They are joined by a dedicated veterinarian community who aim to conquer FeLV and minimize its dreadful impact on feline health.

Short-List of Feline Health Websites Websites:

Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine

www.vet.cornell.edu

Long Beach Animal Hospital

www.lbah.com

Ped Education.com

www.peteducation.com

Feline Leukemia.org

www.felineleukemia.org

Pet Doc

www.petdoc.com

Nine Healthy Lives

Nine Healthy Lives 

Local organizations share a common goal 

By Tricia McMaster
Originally published in the San Diego Union Tribune feature section "SDPets" August, 2008


Cats have been pets for about 9,500 years now, according to a recent BBC News Online report, well before the Egyptians worshiped them. They have the capacity to be wild, always aware of their “inner lion,” and yet they enjoy civilized human companionship. With about 88 million pet cats in the U.S. alone, they actually outnumber pet dogs. It's no wonder cats fit into today's working lifestyle because they are self-sufficient and can be left alone for periods of time. But don't let them fool you: Cats need humans.

Cats have typically been outdoor pets. It is said they have nine lives because of their ability to land on their padded feet from impressive heights, narrowly escaping trouble. But even nine lives aren't enough for an outdoor cat today.

“By letting your cat outside you are not providing love to your cat; you are putting him at mortal risk,” says Dr. Mark Goldstein, veterinarian and president of the San Diego Humane Society and S.P.C.A. Cats outdoors face coyotes and other predators, including fast cars, days without food, and a cat fight or two.

Friends to felines

Dr. Goldstein and the San Diego Humane Society want to take the public to a higher level of awareness about cat ownership. They offer classes on cat care and clicker training, sponsor pet clubs for kids and provide regular online tips for optimal pet care. They and other local shelters seek compassionate cat owners (or “guardians”) who are looking for ways to keep their cats active and happy in a protected home.

Some of the most innovative ideas come from cat owners right here in San Diego. Cats enjoy climbing and landing on those magic feet, so tall bookcases and armoires become an attractive target, but are potentially dangerous if there are breakables on the shelves or no easy way up and down. A solution? Bob Walker and Frances Mooney of San Diego have the ultimate cat-friendly house. Built-in cat walks, cat stairs and lofts are incorporated into their interior design as seen in their book, “The Cat's House.” Of course, cat trees are also a great alternative to furniture.

Cats also enjoy smelling all the outdoors has to offer, and nothing is more satisfying to a cat than a nap in the sun. Some cats find that a screened window is all they need to commune with nature. Others who need a more “paws on” experience can enjoy the outdoors if they have an enclosure that is fenced in both top and sides. Johanna Kane's private sanctuary Chateau du Meow has huge enclosed yards extending off the sides of her cottages. Kristy Hilquist, a San Diego resident and cat rescuer, created a fully fenced-in enclosure right in the backyard of her home.

Healthy Insights

Many of today’s cat owners are more in touch with feline health. Without exercise and sensory stimulation, cats may just spend their days simply eating and sleeping. Just as with humans, overweight cats can have health problems. Pet stores offer great toys to peak cats’ curiosity and keep them active. Cats observe and stalk just about anything that moves, so cat toys that involve human interaction, like feather teasers, are ideal.

“Indoor cats definitely live longer but are prone to geriatric problems such as feline diabetes, arthritis, urinary tract problems and feline asthma,” according to Dr. Jennifer DeBerry of the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego. “The good news is that with regular veterinarian check-ups these ailments can be diagnosed and treated early.”

And we are learning more about how human love elevates the quality of a cat’s life. Surprisingly, simply petting our cats not only lowers their blood pressure, but ours as well, according to a Cornell study. And no two cats are alike; in fact, their quirky differences are what make them so much fun. The more we interact with our cats, the more their “personalities” develop. Cats are adaptable and will quickly create their own daily routine around ours — like living alarm clocks.

Join the Cat Crusade

The longer cats are in the wild, the less socialized they become and their chances of having a new home decrease. San Diego organizations like The Rescue House rescue people-friendly cats before it’s too late. County and other contracted shelters also accept strays and the area humane societies accept owner-relinquished cats as space allows. They neuter, examine and vaccinate them, and some organizations even microchip their cats before putting them up for adoption. In total, there are 16 cat adoption centers and at least 20 pet stores in the San Diego area who work with cat rescue organizations to provide in-store cat adoptions. They are ready to give these cats another chance to love and be loved.

There is no better place to adopt a cat than in San Diego. And by joining a huge and growing number of compassionate cat owners, we are helping reduce the number of homeless cats in shelters and the outdoors. A stimulating enclosed environment, regular vet visits, and lots of love is all it takes. Our cats reward us in turn with nine lives’ worth of entertainment and companionship.

Tricia McMaster is a San Diego writer and a loving friend to cats. 

Short List of Shelters and Rescue Organizations:

County of San Diego Animal Services (619) 236-4250 http://www.sddac.com
Escondido Humane Society (760) 888-BARK (2275) www.escondidohumanesociety.org
FOCAS
(619) 685-3536 www.focas-sandiego.org
Friends of Cats (619) 561-0361 www.friendsofcats.org
National Cat Protection Society (619) 469-8771 www.natcat.org
North County Humane Society and SPCA (760) 757-4357 ext.5 www.nchumane.org
Rancho Coastal Humane Society (760) 753-6413 www.rchumanesociety.org
San Diego Humane Society and S.P.C.A. (619) 299-7012 www.sdhumane.org
The Rescue House (760) 591-1211 www.rescuehouse.org

Sources: 

BBC News: Dig discovery is oldest 'pet cat' http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3611453.stm American Pet Products Association 2008 Survey http://www.appma.org/press_industrytrends.asp
Dr. Mark Goldstein Dr.
Jennifer DeBerry
www.thecatshouse.com
Johanna Kane, Chateau du Meow
Kristy Hilquist, San Diego resident and cat rescuer
“The Power of Petting your Cat” http://www.catsplay.com/thedailycat/2003-09-22/mind_happycat/petting/petting.html
www.adoptmesandiego.com 7/21/08

The Art of Conversation

I amuse myself all day long with my own mind chatter. But there is a big difference between the art of mind chatter and the art of conversation. My son tells me I am great at texting, emailing and messaging, but in conversation I often ramble on with no point. I hate to admit it but he may be right.

I’ve found myself recently zoning out of the endless conversations I have with my women friends and then observing them like an anthropologist. My conclusion? We women have multi-tasked ourselves to oblivion. One task gets sidelined for a new emergency which requires two or three extra steps. Until that new crisis is solved, the old task gets pushed down lower on the priority list. Whoops -- here comes a new crisis. That now takes first priority…… And eventually, our conversations become manifestations of the same haywire daily multi-tasking. One thought branches out into another whole mini-conversation, from which two more (senseless) mini-conversations stem. Does this sound about right? I know this because I am guilty of it, too!

Unlike the guys, women don't really care about what we talk about -- we bond just by talking. But if we really want to be heard by men in a conversation, we need to get to the point.

Top Ten Things To Do in San Diego - After Seeing the Zoos and Theme Parks!

San Diego is a destination you must revisit many times. First-time visitors will, of course, want to visit our world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Legoland (if you have small kids), and at least one day at any one of our beautiful beaches. And probably not all in one trip!

So when it is time to come back again to San Diego, whether for a weekend or a week, here is my top ten or so list of things to see and do here. They will keep you coming back for more.

La Jolla by the Sea

Wedged in a little peninsula of its own just north of San Diego, La Jolla by the Sea is a true “Jewel.” Park your car in a parking garage and then stroll the regal streets and enjoy the beautiful ocean views. Fine art galleries here rival those in Carmel. The boutiques are posh. Restaurants are pricey but hey -- it’s La Jolla! La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches anywhere, and its nearby “Children’s Pool” is a favorite resting spot for sea lions and seals. http://lajollabythesea.com


Torrey Pines Glider Port, Salk Institute and Birch Aquarium (one full day)

This gorgeous area just north of the village of La Jolla is a full-day destination. Start by watching the most extreme daredevils in San Diego (and we have a lot of them!) soar off the runway overlooking Black’s Beach and the cliffs of the Torrey Pines State Park. You will be mesmerized by the gliders and the view. A bit of history: the Lindberghs practiced here! http://flytorrey.com

Going south just a block, you must stop and walk around the Salk Institute, an architectural wonder and research center for renowned biomedical scientists, including the late Jonas Salk, who developed the polio vaccine. Salk chose architect Louis. I. Kahn to "create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso." Free tours are available. www.salk.edu/about/salk_campus.html

After lunch, have a stroll through the nearby Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, with over 60 beautiful habitat/exhibits. http://aquarium.ucsd.edu


Old Town and the Whaley House

If you missed it on your first trip or two, you must spend a day at Old Town, the “Birthplace of California.” This open-air museum of the original town founded in 1820 is about the most fun way I know to get a dose of history. Surrounding these old building museums are shops exploding with colorful Mexican gifts and souvenirs, bustling restaurants and plazas where you can listen to musicians.

And right in the heart of Old Town sits America’s number one most haunted place: The Whaley House. Go if you dare. www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com


Maritime Museum and USS Midway

Like ships? San Diego does! Spend a full half day browsing the Star Of India and other vessels at the Maritime Museum at the bay in downtown San Diego. And if after lunch you haven’t gotten your fill, hop aboard the enormous USS Midway for another kind of nautical adventure. www.sdmaritime.org and www.midway.org


Moonlight State Beach and Old Encinitas

From downtown San Diego all the way north to Oceanside, the coastline is embraced by adorable seaside towns, all preserving their history and charm. My favorite seaside town is Encinitas, accessible by the Coaster train. A self-contained walking town, Encinitas offers eclectic shops, great restaurants of all types, Moonlight State Beach (the quintessential San Diego surfing beach), and the beautiful Yogananda Center founded in 1920. www.encinitas101.com

Coronado Island and the Del Coronado Hotel

Just getting to this island community is breathtaking. Once you’ve exited the Coronado Bridge, head for the Del Coronado Hotel, a grand Victorian wonder, built in 1888 and one of California’s oldest and largest wooden structures. “The Del” has a history of Who’s Who guests including The Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Marilyn Monroe. The village of Coronado is fine for exploring and rounding out a full day.
www.hoteldel.com

Gaslamp Quarter (at night) and Horton Plaza

Spend a late afternoon and evening here, where modern meets Victorian. Horton Plaza, the shopping heart of San Diego, is an architectural feast for the eyes. The adjacent Gas Lamp District, nicely renovated, is best visited by night when the bars and restaurants are hopping. http://gaslamp.org


Balboa Park

You will have probably meandered Balboa Park during a day at the San Diego Zoo. But it is well worth a trip back, and then back again. Balboa Park is a beautiful historic complex of museums to suit all interests, and the Prado is beautiful for strolling. www.balboapark.org


San Elijo Lagoon Guided Nature Walk

Just north of the town of Del Mar, the San Elijo Lagoon is one of San Diego’s largest coastal wetlands - 1,000 acres of reserve -- and one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Explore on your own or take one of their guided nature walks. It’s a bird lover’s paradise with over 300 species relying on the wetlands here. Plenty of critters, too! San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy just opened a nice nature center. www.sanelijo.org

Oh, and as I am writing this, it is a sunny, clear, and 70-degree February day here in San Diego.

Travel Tips Learned the Hard Way

I like to consider myself a seasoned traveler, but I’ve made my share of mistakes while traveling, and after reading Anderson Cooper’s "28 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Traveling" (http://bit.ly/m8I8a), I thought I should impart my own wisdom. Here is one of the many learning experiences I've had while traveling:

St. Pierre, Newfoundland

This quaint little island was settled by pirates who are proud to document their heritage with a pirate museum. I was amused by the many photos of all the ships they lured to shore with “moving” lighthouses (lanterns on cows); the ships would crash on the rocks and the pirates would pillage the wreckage. It was also known as a way station for rum runners like Al Capone, and his hat and cane are there in a glass case. You reach this island by cruise ship tenders IF you can find a cruise line that calls on this port.

I noticed this rocky island had one, maybe two paved streets, but no cars. Instead there were tractor lawnmowers. Dozens of them. I figured it was because the island was so small and the terrain so harsh. Come to find out at the museum that the most recent conquest by the band of marauders was a German freighter Transpacific in 1971 carrying jukeboxes and tractor lawnmowers.

The tiny French restaurants were open and the proprietors stood guard outside, arms folded, eyeing every one of us from the cruise ship, expecting our tourist dollars to be spent on a long meal here in no man’s land. I think, like me, the tourists were so uncomfortable on this crazy island we couldn’t wait to get back to our ship!

As the first tender came to shore to take us back, we charged to the dock. I made it back on the last of three tenders and we were finally able to set sail to another more civilized Canadian port -- until I realized I had left my purse, passport and all, right there in the museum on that pirate island. A special tender took me back to shore and with my heart in my throat I tore back to the museum, only to find my purse still there, untouched.

Lesson: When you travel, don’t judge people, even if they are proud pirates going back generations. And don’t forget your purse.